Php 1:20-21 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. (21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul was far more concerned about his witness for Christ and his ability to show honor to him than he was about his own release from prison or even his life. Living life on this earth had one purpose… Christ. He wanted Christ to be magnified in life or in death, in prison or free.

That I could have such a desire in my life. To bring glory to Christ in life and in death. To be far more concerned about not bringing shame to the name of Christ than my own. Paul wasn’t a super-Christian that should be thought of as one of a kind (though he truly was one of a kind) Rather, the same Spirit that gave him the courage and strength to face challenges and persecution for His name is the same Spirit that dwells in us today.

To live is Christ and to die is gain… Do I really believe that today? Do you?

Prayer: Lord, help me to have the strength today to live completely sold out to you. I want to be like Paul and declare that you are my everything. Not just in my words, but in the way I live my life. How I relate to people, the way I spend my time and money, and the way I serve. Help me to do it all in your name and for your glory. Amen.