To Live is Christ…

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Scripture: Philippians 1:18b-21 (NIV)

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 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. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Devotion:

Paul, writing from prison, reveals a paradox—a tension that defines the Christian experience. He rejoices even in chains, knowing that God’s Spirit sustains him. His perspective transcends circumstances, pointing us to a profound truth: Life finds its ultimate meaning in Christ.

Paul’s joy isn’t superficial; it’s rooted in something deeper—the prayers of fellow believers and the Spirit’s presence. He knows that even imprisonment serves a purpose. Our trials, too, can become conduits for God’s grace. Consider your own challenges. Knowing that God works even in adversity, can you find reasons to rejoice? How can you lean into prayer and the Spirit’s provision?

Paul’s hope is unwavering: “I will in no way be ashamed.” His courage doesn’t stem from self-reliance but from Christ’s exaltation, which means the glorification and honor of Christ. Whether in life or death, Paul’s sole desire is for Christ to be magnified. Reflect on your fears and vulnerabilities. How can you cultivate courage that points to Jesus? How can your life exalt Him, regardless of circumstances?

Paul’s declaration echoes through centuries: “To live is Christ.” This means that every breath and every heartbeat is an offering to Christ. Christ saturates his existence. But he doesn’t fear death; he embraces it. “To die is gain.” Death becomes the ultimate homecoming, the final step into eternal glory. How can we live with this same perspective? How can we infuse our days with Christ’s purpose while anticipating the gain that awaits us?

Paul’s words challenge us: What defines our lives? Is it success, comfort, or self-preservation? Or is it Christ? May we echo his resolve: “To live is Christ.” And when our earthly journey ends, may we step into the gain—the fullness of His presence.

Prayer:

            Lord, let us accept Paul’s challenge to live in Christ Jesus. May our lives be so consumed with the desire to live for you that this world seems uninviting. Help us so that our death will be the subject of both mourning and rejoicing. Those who mourn our deaths will be able to rejoice, knowing that we, though absent from this earthly body, are present with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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