To live is Christ, to die is gain

Philippians 1:18-26

...The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

To live is Christ, and to die is gain. Heaven awaits us when we die. There is certainly much that awaits us after death. But the Bible says that to live is Christ. And how shall we live? In verse 22 it says that we are to go on living, with fruitful labour. Earlier on in verse 18, it mentioned that Christ must be preached. There is much to live for in the present life.

What purpose do you have on this earth before you depart? How are you spending your days and years before you finally breathe your last? We need to live like Christ lived, proclaiming the gospel, living for a cause; the cause of the Kingdom. What are you passionate about? What are the things you do that bring about a certain energy within you? What do you feel you are born for?

It's time to step out and do it.