For to me, to live is Christ and
to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21 NIV
To the atheist, life beyond this earth does not exist. They live with
the mistaken belief that power, popularity, pleasure and money can fill the
place in their heart that is reserved for God alone. False religion also causes
those who do not believe in the one true God to strive for an unattainable goal
as they seek the satisfaction that can only be found in following Christ.
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—then Paul became
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 down through the centuries have given their all, 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.”
© Joyce Powell
Reposted
No comments:
Post a Comment