Philippians 1:21 "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
If you had to fill in the blank, how would you finish this statement:
"For to me, to live is _________"
What do you feel would make your life complete? What is it that you most
enjoy doing and gives you most fulfillment? What is life to you? Each of us
might give a different answer, depending on where our pleasures are derived.
Paul had a definite answer to give. Life, for Paul, was all about Jesus. We do
not know how his finances were before Jesus came to him on the Damascus Road
but we can assume he was not hurting financially. We know he was looked up to
in society and in religious circles. He was considered to be a Hebrew among the
Hebrews, a Pharisee of Pharisees. He seemed to be a natural leader and people
followed him, even when he was going from house to house seeking to persecute
those who believed in the Lord Jesus. If Paul was looking back at this point in
his life, he might say, "I had it made back when life was different."
He had had a taste of what the world has to offer, but now..." Yes,
there was a "but now" for Paul. But now, the Lord had revealed
Himself to Paul and he knew the blessings of knowing how sweet life can be with
the knowledge of redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ. He knew the
peace of heart in knowing the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. The burden of
trying to keep the law perfectly had been lifted from him. As the world would
see it, in many ways life was much rougher for him. But now, the grace of the
Lord Jesus was upon him. Paul was very emphatic in stating life for him
was only complete because of the Lord Jesus Christ and there was no turning
back.
As this first chapter concludes, he tells the saints that his own desire would
be to go on to be with the Lord. But he understood that was completely in the
Lord's hands. He was contemplating his release from that prison, whether it be
an heavenly release or a release to be sent back to the folks at Philippi. He
knew for certain the prison would not be his permanent place of abode. His
ultimate desire was to be in God's will. He knew his release to go back to them
would serve in strengthening their faith. They would rejoice to see him walking
back into the midst of their congregation.
Whether Paul lived or whether he died, he knew he belonged to the Lord.
His desire? Let me magnify the Lord in all that is done. As one dearly departed
saint expressed it, Paul would be a winner either way. May my desire be that
others would see Jesus and my love for him as well.