For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. Philippians 1:21-24

We live in a world today full of self absorption , full of self glorification, so to make a statement “To live is Christ and to die is gain” makes no sense to a fallen world. The world lives by the standards to “Live like there is no tomorrow” or to “eat, drink, and be merry” this is in total opposition of the Christian life. For we know there will always be tomorrow , why? Because Christ lives! We have an eternal purpose and an eternal perspective as servants of Jesus

What does it mean “to live is Christ”, Jesus should be the center of your whole world. Every decision or action should be examined, does this glorify God? When we became Born Again, our old selves died with Christ, and our new selves rose with Christ (Romans 6) Therefor Christ is our everything, there is no meaning or purpose without Jesus as your Lord and God

Jesus said “Whoever will save his life, will lose it, and whoever will lose their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25) This is exactly what Paul is talking about, your not living for yourself anymore, your living to serve and worship the One True God. The world rejects this and desires to fulfill their flesh. The world wants to serve and worship themselves, however they must also pay the wages of their sins, which is eternal damnation

Paul was torn, if he could depart from his body, he  could start spending eternity with The Lord. However God had more work for Paul to do, and he obediently fulfilled his calling. God still has more work for you to do also, stay in faith and obedience to The Lord, finish the race that was set before you!

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Philippians 1:25-26

By Paul’s demonstration of faith and obedience to Christ, he was a great joy and inspiration for the Church. Paul was a walking testimony for Christianity, nobody could deny his conversion or fruits he produced by the Holy Spirit. We should also be faithful and obedient to our calling by our Lord Jesus Christ

The central theme of our life should be “To Live is Christ” , everything we do should be centered around The Lord,  why? Because Christ gave his life for you, you should be willing to give your life for him, Amen!