What we Live For

"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Philippians 1:21

 

    Paul was writing from prison, to encourage the Philippian believers in Christian living and advancement of the gospel.  He starts with a call to thanksgiving.  Although in prison, Paul is grateful for the Christian brotherhood he has found in Philippi.  And not only that, but it is Paul's perspective on his imprisonment that is so profound and encouraging.  Paul is imprisoned for spreading the gospel, and even though he is suffering, and certainly in the very midst of the all the difficulty that comes with being an inmate at that time, he views his position of suffering as an opportunity.  Paul declares in verse twelve that, "I [Paul] want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has served to advance the gospel" (Phil. 1:12).  Even in the midst of harsh conditions, opposition, and dreadful conditions, Paul is fully convinced that his trial will serve to advance the work of the kingdom of God.  

 

    What an amazing perspective to have in heart of suffering!  How is it possible for Paul to clearly have peace, hope, and a confident expectation from behind bars?  It is because he was living for Christ.  Regardless of the challenges that Paul faced, he was fully committed to serving Jesus with all of his heart, mind, body, and soul.  No matter what sort of opposition came upon him, Paul lived for Christ.  Once having a radical experience with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul no longer lived with his self at the center, but a Christ-centered life.  

    In today's society there are so many things we live for.  We live for our jobs, our relationships, our hobbies, other's expectations, our accomplishments, our bank accounts, mainly our own desires.  These things, in and of themselves, are not bad.  The problems arise when we live for these things.  When these things begin to drive all of our thinking and actions.  What happens is they begin to consume us, and now we have put our own desires and passions at the center of our lives.  Those worldly things that drive us now become the center of our entire existence.  Problem is, these things are all temporary, and will never fully fulfill us wholly.  They will never give us peace, rest, hope, and love.  Only a life lived fully for Jesus will do that.  Today, analyze what is at the center of your life.  What is it that you are truly living for?  You can figure it out by taking some quiet time to focus on how you spend most of your time, and what you are often thinking about the most.  Understand that many of these things are necessary to live, but know that none should be the center of your life.  Pray and ask the Lord to lead you to a life following Jesus at the center of all you think, do, and say.  And experience the peace, love, grace, and joy that comes with living for Christ, no matter the circumstances!  Love you all!  Praying for you and yours!  Have a blessed day, it's your choice!