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A small child once wrote, “Dear God, what is it like when you die? Nobody will tell me. I just want to know because I don’t want to do it!”
From the outside looking in, the Gospel story might seem to be about Christ’s suffering, death, and payment for our sins. But, for those of us who believe in the truth of His resurrection we know that it is really all about life – abundant and eternal life. But sometimes this can be easy to lose sight of. We grown-ups are often focused on the how-to’s of the good life in the here and now.
In Philippians 1:18-25, Paul shows us not only how to live, but also how to die. In both life… and death… Paul is a “saint,” one dedicated to the service of the Lord – to Him and to His people. It is very likely that Paul thought about death each and every day in prison as he waited for a verdict that could be a death sentence. And yet he wrote, “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance…For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith…”
Oh, how Paul loved the Lord! And, oh how Paul yearned to be with the Lord he loved! Yet, he subordinated his personal desire to his pastoral responsibility. He chose to use his days on earth so others might know Christ.
The Bible tells us that Christ is exalted in our body as long as we live (Philippians 1:20). It also tells us “for if we live, we live for the Lord” (Romans 14:8). Life for Paul, above all, meant more ministry, more time to teach and serve others, and more time for fruitful labor. May that be so for us. Gospel living is so much more than planning for success, saving money, seeking personal goals, early retirement, living in leisure, and living it up. Let us live with Heaven and our Lord and Savior in our view.
Lord, may we life our life fo Christ, knowing that to die is gain. May I continue in this life with joy, keeping heaven and the Savior in my sights. Amen.
For more encouragement for your soul see Elizabeth's book, Loving God with all Your Mind.
How can I live so that others may know Christ more? How can I change my fear of death into an anticipation of seeing God face to face?
The gospel is all about the abundant life, full of fruitful labor for Christ. May we remember to serve Christ well, telling others about Him and knowing that in death we will finally be with our Lord.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
How did men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God—one decision at a time.
