July 4
A Better
Desire
Philippians 1:21-23
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 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! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Daily Steps
For the believer, death ceases to be a frightening unknown and becomes a choice between two goods. This passage provides the new believer with the peaceful, transformed view of mortality: to die is gain, and to be with Christ is better by far.
The peace in this perspective is found in two certainties:
Life's Ultimate Purpose: Paul defines life not by comfort or achievement, but by relationship and mission: "to live is Christ." Every day on earth is defined by serving Christ (The Light of the World, Day 166) and fruitful labor (The Dignity of Work, Day 159). This purpose secures peace while living.
Death's Ultimate Reward: Paul defines death as "gain." This is because to die is to "depart and be with Christ," which he says "is better by far." This certainty eliminates the fear of the unknown—the destination for the believer is guaranteed to be immediate, superior, and defined by the presence of the Lord.
The Result is Freedom: The Apostle finds himself in a dilemma, "torn between the two." This tension is not anxiety; it is freedom. He is free to live with purpose (for others) and free to die with reward (for himself). This conviction about life's value and death's consolation gives profound, unshakeable peace.
Your peace in the unseen world is secured by Christ's Presence. Rest in the truth that whether you live or die, you cannot lose, for to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Reflective Question
If you were to honestly finish the statement, "For to me, to live is..." how close is your answer to Paul's "to live is Christ"? How can focusing on the reward—that to die is gain—free you to commit to more fruitful labor today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my fear of the end and my attachment to the temporary world. I pray for the spiritual vision to truly believe that to die is gain and to be with Christ is better by far.
Help me to live today with the clarity that to live is Christ, dedicating my purpose to fruitful labor and securing my peace in Your guaranteed presence. Amen.
