Creator, Father, King #299

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

THE APOSTLE PAUL LED quite a dramatic life.

He was nearly killed by a violent mob; he spoke before powerful kings; he survived a shipwreck, a venomous snakebite, and an assassination plot; and he was incarcerated in three different cities. And this was all within roughly a five-year span, between his arrest in Jerusalem and his appeal for a trial in Rome! In today’s world, he could’ve easily written a New York Times bestselling memoir and hit the late-night TV talk-show circuit.

But Paul wasn’t interested in self-promotion. Ultimately, his biggest concern wasn’t even trying to get out of prison. His chief interest was proclaiming the name of Christ. And he certainly did! Even while in chains, Paul found remarkable ways to spread the gospel (see the “Did You Know?” section below).

Yet Paul didn’t know how his house arrest would end. Even though he was innocent, he arrived in Rome around AD 60, during the reign of the infamous Emperor Nero, who viciously persecuted Christians. There was no guarantee Paul would survive the ordeal.

That was a secondary matter to Paul. That’s why he could write today’s verse to the Philippian church with all sincerity: “To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

What’s It Mean?

Today’s verse is a beautifully concise summary of the Christian life.

If you are a follower of Jesus, your mission should be to glorify God, grow in his grace, and make his name known. This mission should fill your heart and consume your thoughts. Yes, there are many blessings that God gives us in life that occupy our time (family, friends, work, school, sports, hobbies, etc.). But our devotion to Christ should permeate all of these and be preeminent above them.

This is what “to live is Christ” means.

But what about “to die is gain”? Here’s what Paul meant: this world is temporary. We are spiritual exiles here. God has given us incredible blessings in this life, but the life to come holds eternal treasures that we can’t even begin to fathom (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Believer, seek the advancement of God’s Kingdom now, knowing that an infinitely greater heavenly Kingdom awaits you one day!

Now What?

Memorize Philippians 1:21. It’s a great mantra, and there’s no excuse not to memorize it since it’s only eleven words long!

Did You Know?

While under house arrest in Rome, Paul ensured that “everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ” (Philippians 1:13). Apparently, even some of Caesar’s household became Christians through Paul’s witness (Philippians 4:22).