Living For Christ
Philippians 1:21-25 NKJV
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I [cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,
I enjoy the epistles of Paul immensely. The books of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians are four strong books in a row. They are short but powerful, and Philippians is a great example. In our verse for today, we see the heart of Paul as he struggles with staying on earth or going to heaven.
Paul states it so succinctly, for him personally, to live was because he was committed to the Lord Jesus. And dying would be better for him. He has such a great perspective of why he is on the earth and what awaits him on the other side. For him to continue to live would mean more fruit for his work. And then Paul writes something easy to look past but worth a second look. He says he does not know which he will choose. Choose? Paul makes it seem as if he had an actual choice as to whether he lived or died. Not only does he imply that he has a choice, Paul makes it seem as if he is really debating the matter. He uses the term 'hard pressed' between staying and going. Who talks like this? I am thinking of people who have a very close relationship with the Lord and have heard from Him on staying or going. In our verses for today, Paul is writing about his conflicting choices.
Paul says that to depart and be with Christ is far better. We should never lose sight of what Paul is saying. Dying is not ceasing to exist; for the believer, dying is departing to be with Christ, which is far better than anything here on earth. Paul uses the word "depart." Leaving this earth and this body behind to be with Christ is the far better option. For a man not given to hyperbole, Paul has indicated just how good heaven will be for us. So he weighs out the choices and the better option and determines to leave and be with Christ is the best thing for him.
But Paul is not living for himself. To live is Christ and to die is gain. Paul recognizes that staying on earth is best for the churches. He says to the Philippians that staying in the flesh is more needful for them. And so in verse twenty-five, he makes the decision to stay and help the church move forward in their faith. You have to love that. Paul makes the decision to stay. Like, okay, I am going to stay here because Jesus wants me to, and it will be more helpful for the church. This is like a man choosing to fly or drive to San Antonio. He states he is staying and states it with great confidence. Paul definitely knew things we just don't know.
Application
To live is Christ and to die is gain. How do we apply this to our lives? What are we willing to do for our commitment to Jesus at the expense of our flesh? We could say that to give financially is Christ, and to hold on to our funds is gain, temporary, but short-term gain. To walk in the fruit of the spirit, including love, is Christ, and to be selfish is gain to our flesh. To hold our tongue and temper is Christ, and to cut loose is gain to our lower nature. How about to forgive is Christ and to hold onto unforgiveness is gain and easier on our feelings. You can see where I am going with this. To live by faith, not by sight, is Christ; to walk by our feelings is gain only to our flesh. What does Jesus want, and how does it rank with what our flesh cries out for? Once we know, we want to live for Christ.
Prayer
Lord, help me to prioritize You and Your will for me first. Everything is secondary, regardless of how it makes me feel or is the easier path for my flesh.