Beautiful Word Devotional #185

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

Philippians 1:21

Note the irony. The apostle Paul—who wrote the letter to the Philippians from prison—had once tried to put Christians behind bars. Paul had come to realize, though, that his time in prison was actually fruitful for ministry: he shared Christ with all his guards, and he had a great deal of freedom to write on behalf of the gospel.

Paul knew that if he continued to live, this fruitful prison ministry would flourish. But he loved Jesus Christ with his whole heart. And Paul’s love for Jesus superseded even his passion for his work on Jesus’ behalf!

Do you realize that Philippians 1:21 applies to you as well? As long as you live in this world, you will be able to live for Jesus Christ, serve his people, and share his love. But when you die, you will experience great gain as you live in the presence of Jesus, your Savior.

You can say with Paul, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Lord, I want to live wholly for you today—and I thank you that I will one day see you face-to-face, amen.