Daily Devotional

-August 18, 2021-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

-To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain-

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

(Philippians 1:21).

Paul’s epistle to the Philippians can be titled, “The Epistle of Living Joy.” He employs such words as joy, rejoice, rejoicing, rejoiced, glad, and gladness. Bearing in mind that when he wrote this epistle he was in prison in Rome, it is even more remarkable.

Paul was joyful in Christ wherever he was. He chose to rejoice, live for Christ, and serve Him. He didn’t just make the best of his circumstances, he triumphed in them and over them. He used every opportunity to preach the gospel even while in prison for his faith. Paul’s motto was, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” He wasn’t afraid to die, nor was he afraid to live either. He was conflicted though: to depart and be with Christ in heaven or to remain on earth longer which is better for the saints.

Paul knew how glorious heaven was and how much better it is than earth. He knew however that his earthly stay was not in his hands nor when he would be called home to glory. None of us can chose our time to go, either at the Rapture or at death.

• For to me, to live is Christ – Paul chose to live Christ and to live for Christ every day and in every way. His life was content with what he had, where he was, and what he was doing to further the kingdom of God. He wrote to the Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Paul’s priority was living for and serving Christ. This should be our priority as well. Most of us are not in full time ministry as Paul was, but there are so many ways to serve the Lord and live for him at work, at school, at home, out doing errands, or wherever we are. “To live is Christ,” is not just a motto but a lifestyle.

• And to die is gain – There are so many wonderful things about heaven as mentioned in the Scriptures, but the greatest of all is being with Jesus forever. In 2 Corinthians 12:1-6, Paul describes his experience of being caught up into the third heaven, into Paradise. We don’t know how long he was there or when this took place, but it was enough to make him long to go there permanently. To him, death was really a gain.

Thus, to live is Christ and to die is gain. We win both ways. Our time on earth is so short compared to our life in heaven which is forever. We must live now for the Lord freely, fully, and fore mostly. We must choose to rejoice in Christ in our circumstances and live victorious lives. Opportunities to serve the Lord abound everywhere on a daily basis. Let us tell the Lord, “Here I am Lord, use me today to be a blessing.”

Have a blessed day living for Jesus and serving Him. Stay safe and healthy.