To me to live is Christ

and to die is gain

October 19, 2008 (Sunday)
Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians when he was suddenly struck down by a bright light. He heard the voice of the resurrected Jesus that day, calling him to become a servant of the Savior, and he obeyed. From that moment, his life was changed. Toward the end of his life, when he was better known as Paul the Apostle, he wrote, “To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain!” (Philippians 1:21).
Can you say that? If your sentence begins, “to me to live is..,” how does it end? What is living to you?
For some it is all about material possessions, for others, pleasure, for some, work, and for still others, self-enhancement and pride. What is your main interest in life?
If you are a Christian, is Christ your main reason for living? Can you identify with Paul’s words, “to me to live is Christ?”
What about the rest of his statement, “and to die is gain?” The Christian expects death, just like everyone else, but the Christian looks at death differently from people who believe death is the end of all things. The Christian has heaven on his mind, and fully expects to be with the Lord in an existence rich with meaning and purpose.
In the meantime, we are here for God’s purpose, to bless others, and to glorify God in our earthly bodies as long as we have breath.
I hope you can say today, with a good conscience, “To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”