Please read these verses in your own Bible or on line at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1%3A+20-26&version=NIV The notes are mine.
20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Paul is facing trial; each day brings it closer. But he is not thinking of himself. He looks to his Lord for courage so that he doesn’t let Him down.
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
Paul’s idea of life is simple: Christ and the people he loves. Paul’s idea of death is simple, too: Christ and heaven. It sounds like he is choosing, but he isn’t. He is clearly leaving his future up to God, because…
24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Paul’s love for the Philippians tells him that he still has things to do. He trusts God to make sure that the outcome of his situation will meet everyone’s needs. God is not finished with him yet.
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21 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” We all know this verse. But I’m wondering now, is this true for me? I’ve not been where Paul has been, nor have I’ve suffered what he suffered. He has clearly far beyond me in his faith.
But when I look at that sentence, and try to finish it in any other way, it doesn’t work. Try it yourself: “For me to live is [family, health, home, cats, etc., and so on] and to die is _______________.” See? In every case, when life isn’t Christ, to die is loss.
I want to start working this truth into my life. My blessings are not who I am and taking them out of the equation brings me back to this: Jesus Christ is Lord. I just hope it doesn’t require the crucible of suffering to internalize this truth. Or, if it does, that I will have courage. Which, of course, is mine for the asking, because… Jesus is Lord.