To Live is Christ…
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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