“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
Well over here in Spokane our local mountain just closed, the temperatures are starting to reach the 70s and you can’t help but mourn the passing of our awesome winter culture we enjoy so much. I hope you are having an incredible end to your season and I also hope the Lord has deepened your relationship with the homies. As I transition to a new season, I find myself asking the Lord how He would like me to spend these off winter months and what would honor Him. Personally, there seems to be a lot on my plate and historically I tend to overcomplicate things, so as we read Philippians 1 together I would like to pull out some simple realities that keep me grounded and bring me joy in waking up alive each day.
Let’s get right to it–Paul boldly declares towards the end of the chapter, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 ESV. Paul continues to describe how he personally wrestles with this reality and longs to be with Jesus, but for the sake of the gospel knows it is better to surrender his desire to be with Jesus and LIVE for Christ. Why is it better to die? According to the gospel, living is a sacrifice. Philippians 1:29 “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” Everyday of my life for Jesus is to be included in His suffering? Well frick, that’s kinda gnarly isn’t it? Well, here comes the encouragement. You are a Son or Daughter of God and each day you wake up living for Christ is a day of life bursting with light for those who need hope! After Jesus returns there will never be another time when you can give back to the Savior who poured out everything for us. Also it’s not complicated, you don’t have to pre-organize your day of good deeds or check off a list each day. You just get to wake up alive and trust that God is using you by simply being yourself and staying yielded to His Spirit in you!
Fam, let’s purpose together each day as we wake up to not conform to the world but become fully aware we are ALIVE for Christ to be His ray of light, hope, and truth! He is so patient that none should perish and we are so blessed to be able to shine so others may see Him. Life will bring its difficulties and to live through it with hope and faith is a blessing and honor to our King!
Challenge:
Have you over complicated the beauty of our life in Christ like me?
Will you repurpose acknowledging this week each day simply waking up alive again is a joy to live for our King!?
Will you also consider Romans 8:18-25?
By Michael Bailey | Spokane WA