TO LIVE IS CHRIST

Life’s meaning and purpose are found in union with Him.

Philippians 1:21 | For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

In the book of Philippians, the theme of joy is central. The apostle Paul, despite writing from prison under terrible circumstances, sought to uplift the name of Christ. His passion for serving Christ and encouraging others shone through as he reminded them to remain joyful in the face of adversity. I’ve often found that joy can be challenging to hold onto, especially when life throws unexpected challenges our way as I’m sure you can relate.

Paul’s perspective on life and death was profound. He faced numerous challenges but managed to model joy throughout his painful circumstances. In Philippians 1:21, he states, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” This highlights his belief that both life and death could be viewed as victories, reflecting an eternal perspective that is often hard to maintain in difficult times. It can be a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is a greater purpose at play.

I can relate to Paul’s message on a personal level. Just four years ago, I experienced an overwhelming loss. Within three months, I lost my mother, my husband, and our beloved pet, Rocky. The pain was so intense, that there were moments when I wished to escape my suffering and join the Lord and them in heaven. During these times, I often thought about how fleeting life can be and how important it is to cherish every moment. God showed up, just like he did for Paul, to give strength that I knew that I didn’t possess, and I knew that somehow God was going to work all things together for his purposes. Henry Blackaby said, “how we live our life is a testimony of what we believe about God.” I learned that suffering could serve as a powerful tool to strengthen our faith and build character, especially if we shift our focus from our own pain to the needs of others. Motivated by this realization, I started a ministry for widows five months after my husband’s passing, determined not to let my pain go to waste.

Paul’s time in prison serves as a reminder that our circumstances do not define us. Even in the most challenging situations, we can make a difference. There are many ways to do this, such as writing encouraging notes or letters to others, adapting to challenges with courage and confidence, practicing gratitude, and maintaining an eternal perspective.

Ultimately, life is about who we are in Christ. When we approach life with a joyful attitude, regardless of the challenges we face, and trust God in all circumstances, we can truly experience a “Wonderful Life” in Christ.