To Die is Gain

When I hear Paul saying, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21), I am reminded of a woman who Robin and I know.  This precious sister told us that when she opens her eyes in the morning, she says disappointingly, “I’m still here.”  This woman is not suicidal.  She’s not suffering and certainly not tired of living. 

When I think of Christ, I often associate Him with suffering, dying, hardship, and labor.  Yet, this is not what is in Paul’s mind when he says this.  In spite of his own suffering, when Paul says, “For me, to live is Christ” he means that he is living a full, bountiful, and productive life.  We know this because Paul goes on to say, “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me” (Philippians 1:22).

Robin and I hear our friend echoing Paul who said, “I am torn between the two: I desire to be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.  Convinced of this, I know that I will remain…” (Philippians 1:23-25).

Our “natural” longing should be for Jesus.  In the meantime, Paul says, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).

May Paul’s words be the desires and the prayers of our heart.