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Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Isaiah 24-27
Philippians 1:21-2:11

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Philippians 1:21-24 (CSB): “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

In America (and perhaps in other cultures as well), we have certain light-hearted clichés that we use when we meet each other. One such mindless exchange that I have heard numerous times is as follows:

“Well, how are you doing this fine morning?”
“I woke up, which is better than the alternative!”

We all know what is alleged in those words. The person is saying that waking up means we’re alive, and it is believed that being alive is far better than dying in one’s sleep.

But the Apostle Paul would soundly disagree. He said so in the verses I chose for today.

Philippians 1:21-24 (CSB): “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.”

Paul was thinking out loud. Let’s consider what he was saying.

Verse 21: Paul said that he was a winner whether he lived or died. If he lived, it meant that he could experience Jesus living His life through him. If he died, he could be with Jesus.

Verse 22: Paul said that if he lived, he could continue engaging in the work of ministry that was producing much fruit for the Kingdom. If the choice was his, whether to live or die, he honestly didn’t know which one he would choose.

Verse 23: Paul acknowledged that he could see the benefit of both living and dying. He acknowledged his love for the Lord Jesus and wanted to be with Him. In order for that to happen, God would have to call him through death’s door. But Paul said that dying and being with Jesus would be “far better.”

Verse 24: Paul reasoned that the Philippian Christians would benefit if Paul were to remain alive and to continue wholeheartedly devoting himself to ministry.

One thing is clear as we listen to Paul. We see that he was laser-focused on Jesus. Whether he lived or died, it was all about Jesus.

Friend, when we consider Paul’s passion to serve and be with the Lord Jesus, and then examine our own hearts, can we say that whether we live or die, it’s all about Jesus? Can we say that we are serving Jesus wholeheartedly in this life and eagerly await being with Him in the next? If not, then ask the Lord to meet you where you are and draw you closer.

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to enable you to make Jesus the focus of your life so that you see both life and death as a win.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into Philippians 1:21, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What does it mean ‘to live is Christ’ (Philippians 1:21)?”

“What does it mean that ‘to die is gain’ (Philippians 1:21)?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of White Hall Baptist Church in Richmond, Kentucky (whitehallbaptistchurch.org)