“For me, to live is Christ to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
What a powerful verse. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is in jail (yet again) and is writing to the church at Philippi. His discussion here is that should he be allowed to live, it will continute to be for Christ, but should he die, his gain is heaven. Paul is actually torn about which he should hope for. As we read in verse 22-23, “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”
Paul realized the importance of his time here on earth spreading the gospel. In fact, he referred to his imprisonment as being in chains for Christ. Author C.S. Lewis offers this quote, “The glory of God, and, as our only means to glorifying Him, the salvation of human souls, is the real business of life.” Both of these men understood that the “purpose” of our lives is to live for Christ, advancing the Gospel and spreading the message of Salvation. How much more focused on Christ would our lives be if we had this outlook. That even in the direst circumstances, of awaiting potential death like Paul, we can stand and say, “For me, to live is Christ to die is gain.”
