Is Jesus Central in Your Life?

Last time we looked at the phrase “to die is gain” from Paul’s letter.  This morning we studied the very famous words that precede this phrase: “for me to live is Christ.” I’ve been chewing on those words all day. What does Paul mean by “for me to live is Christ”? What would my life look like if Jesus were my singular focus, central to everything and my greatest obsession?

              As Heidi and I discussed the idea of living for Christ, she began to flesh out the importance of community. Her thoughts spurred me on to a few others. As I meditate on the phrase “to live is Christ,” I see a few ways to apply this to my life. First, my primary focus must be Jesus and the gospel. I must continually point people to the glory of Christ and eternal life in Jesus. Second, I must continually be in biblical community. This comes through weekly corporate worship and continual participation in life groups. I need to be around other believers. Third, I must place my life where the Spirit can regularly remove the dross of sin from me, purify my heart, and lead me in righteousness. Next, I must hold the things of this world, including Heidi, my family, and ministry loosely. Finally, I must continually become increasingly bold about living an others-focused life that seeks to share the love of God with those I come into contact with.

              What do you think? What would you add? As you consider the phrase, “to live is Christ,” what would it look like for you? Take a few moments today and conduct a personal inventory of your life. What do you need to change, add, or remove from your life to echo Paul’s challenging claims, “For me to live in Christ?”

To live is Christ and to die is gain

              In our morning devotions, Heidi and I are starting to study the book of Philippians. This morning, we read chapters one and two and discussed a few observations. In these first couple of chapters, Heidi noticed a beautiful tension and a dichotomy between life and death. Take a moment and read Philippians 1:21-26 and 2:19-30. Did you notice the contrast between Paul’s thoughts about life and death?

              In chapter 1, he is talking about himself and says, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain… I  long to depart and be with Christ – which is better by far” (1:21-23). A chapter later, in a passage about his friend Epaphroditus, Paul writes that Epaphroditus was sick to the point of death, but God healed him and saved Paul from “sorrow upon sorrow” (2:25-27). Heidi’s reflection was good and helpful. If, for the Christian, death is better by far, why is there sorrow upon sorrow when a Christian dies? Can you see the tension?

              Death is an enemy and thief. Even as we live in the shadow of the resurrection, there is the sting of death. When a loved one dies, we feel the pain and sting of separation that death causes. Even though our minds remind us of the glory our loved ones are enjoying, our hearts still mourn and miss them deeply. When we realize we will not see them again until glory, we have “sorrow upon sorrow.” For the Christian, both can be true. Death is better by far, and when a loved one dies, we experience sorrow upon sorrow. When talking about himself, it was only glory. With the thought of the death of someone he loved, it was sorrow upon sorrow.

              In 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, Paul encourages us with the promise of the vanquishing of death’s sting. At the return of Christ and the final resurrection, the sting of death will be conquered, and death will be no more. It is a glorious thought to realize there are no cemeteries, funeral homes, or even doctors in heaven. We will be fully and finally released from our life of sin and death to enjoy an eternity with our Savior, Jesus Christ, on a new heaven and earth forever. Today, death still stings us deeply, but one day, death will be defeated, and we will enjoy the presence of God, seeing Him face to face for all eternity. Be encouraged with the hope of glory.