For
to me, to live is Christ and
to die
is gain.
Philippians 1:21 NIV
The Apostle Paul lived on both sides of
the truth. First, as a devout Jew determined to rid the world of what he
considered to be false doctrine spewed by a man named Jesus, he persecuted
Christians. Later, after his encounter with the living Christ, he walked,
talked, preached, lived and died for the truth of the gospel, the good news—Christ
the Redeemer—and he was the persecuted.
Paul wrapped the marching orders for the
Christian’s life in one short verse tucked away in a letter to the Christians
at Philippi. He began his greeting with “Grace and peace to you from God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” and ended with “The grace of the Lord Jesus
Christ be with your spirit.” But in between those greetings of grace, his
letter contained what may be the most profound statement by any follower of
Christ, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
After his conversion, Paul’s life purpose
was marked by his determination to boldly speak the gospel and to become like
Christ. It cost him everything—including his life.
As I think about the life of Paul, and
other self-sacrificing Christians who have given their all down through the
centuries, I understand how spoiled and lazy I, along with many of my fellow
American Christians, have become. I see the result of too many years of ease
and comfort. I fear the enemy has lulled us into a deep sleep. I understand
that satan has coined a new term—politically correct—and many of us fear
the consequences of being bold for Christ.
Every time he spoke the truth of the
Gospel, Paul faced the reality of the consequences of being politically incorrect. Yet he spoke out
boldly. Why—because, he knew the meaning of real life! Whether he lived or
whether he died, he did all to the glory of God.
I pray that what I believe with my heart will
resonate throughout my life and draw others to the foot of the Cross of Christ
so that they may know the truth of life in Christ. “For to me, to live is
Christ and to die is gain.”
©JP2013
No comments:
Post a Comment