Philippians 1:21-28
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
What is "the good life"? What do you fantasize about? Is it having lots of money and lots of sex? That is what our fantasies are often about. But Paul suggests a radically different view of the good life: "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (verse 21). The really good life is not about self and pleasure, but about Christ. That is what gives meaning and purpose to life, and indirectly results in true joy. If we can keep this perspective in mind, it will change what we are tempted by and what we fantasize about. For we will then desire the things of Christ, and our "manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ" (verse 27).
Lord, I confess to often dreaming of self-centered goals. But You alone are the source and fulfillment of life. Help me to live for You.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
What is "the good life"? What do you fantasize about? Is it having lots of money and lots of sex? That is what our fantasies are often about. But Paul suggests a radically different view of the good life: "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (verse 21). The really good life is not about self and pleasure, but about Christ. That is what gives meaning and purpose to life, and indirectly results in true joy. If we can keep this perspective in mind, it will change what we are tempted by and what we fantasize about. For we will then desire the things of Christ, and our "manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ" (verse 27).
Lord, I confess to often dreaming of self-centered goals. But You alone are the source and fulfillment of life. Help me to live for You.