The greatest gain
Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
These simple yet powerful words hold a deep meaning that encapsulates the essence of a life worth living. Let us understand the meaning it entails.
I. To Live is Christ:
In the first part of this verse, Paul states, "For to me, to live is Christ." What does it mean to live in Christ? It means that our lives are fully surrendered to Him, and He becomes the center of our existence. Living in Christ involves seeking His will, obeying His commandments, and aligning our desires with His. It is a life of devotion, faith, and dependence on our Lord Jesus Christ.
Living in Christ also means imitating His character. We strive to love as He loved, to show compassion as He showed, and to serve as He served. It means allowing His love and grace to flow through us, touching the lives of those around us. When Christ becomes our life's purpose, every aspect of our existence is transformed. Our thoughts, words, and actions are all guided by His teachings and His example.
II. To Die is Gain:
The second part of the verse states, "to die is gain." At first glance, this statement may seem perplexing or even morbid. However, Paul is not advocating a desire for death but emphasizing the remarkable hope that lies in our eternal destiny. He understood that death is not the end but the gateway to an unimaginable gain.
For believers, death is the moment when we leave behind the limitations of this earthly life and enter into the glorious presence of our Savior. It is a transition from a temporal existence to an eternal one. In death, we gain a release from the sufferings and struggles of this world. We find ultimate rest and peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Moreover, in death, we gain the fullness of our inheritance in Christ. We are united with Him in eternity, where there is no pain, no sorrow, and no separation from God. It is the fulfillment of our deepest longings, as we experience perfect communion with our Creator and are reunited with our loved ones who have gone before us.
As we continue to live our life daily, we are confronted with a powerful question: What truly matters in our lives? The greatest gain is not found in the accumulation of worldly possessions, achievements, or fame.
It is not found in the pursuit of selfish desires or the temporary pleasures of this world. The greatest gain is found in living a life fully surrendered to Christ and the eternal hope that lies in Him.
let us fix our eyes on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. Let us seek to live in Him, allowing His love and grace to shape us into His image. And let us embrace the hope of eternity, knowing that when we leave this earthly dwelling, we will gain unimaginable joy and glory in the presence of our Lord.
May we all find the courage to live for Christ, to impact the lives of others, and to anticipate the greatest gain that awaits us beyond this life. Amen.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of a new day in Jesus Christ name
2. Lord, give me the grace to live my whole life for you in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, after all my life in earth, let death be gain to me as I desire to reign with you in eternity.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.