"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" Philippians 1:21 NKJV
What a profound statement! This was Paul's life, total dedication and commitment to Jesus. He lived for Him and was willing to die for Him as well. One cannot get a deeper dedication than this.
However, he was struggling with choices. He wanted to be with Jesus; he knew that this would be far better v23. But, he also knew he had a job to do - a ministry to fulfil. There were people who still didn't know Jesus and those that did, needed nurturing. He also had his writing to complete. When he considered this, he realised that, whatever he did, he was living with Jesus. If he continued to live, Jesus was there and if he chose to die, Jesus was also there. Don't forget, Paul was the man who had visited heaven and seen the wonders but, he also returned (2 Corinthians 12), and carried on with his work despite the fact that he had his thorn in his flesh.
Paul's purpose was to glorify Jesus come what may; Jesus was his total focus. There is a lesson to be learned here. See how Paul managed things, he was flesh and bone just like us. He had a calling just like we do. However he was confident with what he had to do and where he was going and this focus he had, shone through. Possibly we need to take stock of all of this. We can say the same, 'For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain', but if we do, is it a true statement?
There is so much going on in our busy lives that many times, Jesus is far down the list of priorities. We have a busy live to live, work to do, bills to pay and everything else. Paul was no different. He still had his earthly commitments. The difference being, he was so in tune with Jesus, so very much in step that, he knew without doubt that if he put Jesus as priority one, Jesus would take care of the rest.
And this is where Paul had the edge on us. Some may say, 'Yes, but that was back in bible times, things are different now.' No they're not, we're still in ‘Jesus’ times', He hasn't changed, His priorities and promises are just the same. He may not be asking you to be a missionary in some faraway country but, He is asking you to honour the commission He gave to all of us, 'Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature" Mark 16:15. Your street, neighbours and family are perhaps your world. That is your initial commission.
Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.
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