Listen to Audio Devotion

Philippians 1:21–24, LEB

“For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if it is to live in the flesh, this is fruitful work for me, and which I will prefer I do not know. But I am hard pressed between the two options, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for this is very much better. But to stay on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.”

When we read this passage, it almost seems like Paul is thinking out loud about his future. He was awaiting execution as he wrote these lines. He ponders whether it would be better for him to go on with this ministry for many more years or die to meet Christ in glory. On living, Paul wanted to reunite with the Philippian church as it was necessary for their spiritual maturity. On dying, he would enter the physical presence of Jesus in Glory.

As we consider this passage today, it is not only specific to Paul’s situation in the first century but is applicable to us even today. There are advantages to life, and there are advantages to death. On living, we might have countless opportunities to be a Christian witness in this fallen world and an encouragement for other Christians as well. On dying, we would be in meeting Jesus in Glory. Many of us perceive that the greatest blessing of death is the end of all earthly difficulties, the pain, the drag of daily life. Yes, that is true and I don’t want to undermine that blessing, but a greater blessing awaits us at death. We are in the presence of the One who redeemed us by His own blood. We cannot describe or comprehend the glory of that day.

Despite all the blessings of life and death, the point is not about living or dying. The point is that Christ would be exalted in our body, whether through life or through death (Phil. 1:20). Live or die, being in Christ is top priority for our current situation. So as we saw, Paul isn’t reducing the worth, purpose of living, but he’s telling us this life is profitable when we live towards the life on the other side. True life is not a bigger house, a happy family, or a good salary package. Let’s just ponder about it. Would you call your death at this point a gain or a loss? If it is a loss then what is so important to you in here that you would choose that over the Glorious presence of Christ, unhindered by sin? Let’s repent if we believe that our death is a loss to us. As the hymn goes,

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”

Let’s pray

Heavenly Father, we’re just small notes in your beautiful composition of life. We repent of our idols Father. You weed them out. Help us to shift our focus on You and You alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen