It Starts Small

 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; 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.

Philippians 1:21-26

Paul’s resolve to live for the Lord while he could.

Paul was acutely aware that the end of his life could be lurking just around the corner. This revelation ignited a fierce determination within him. He was driven to seize every fleeting moment and passionately dedicate himself to serving the Lord. He seized each precious opportunity that remained. He refused to join the saints who lamented their missed chances to share the Word in their final moments. They regretted wasting too much time entangled in worldly distractions. (See Galatians 2:18-20) His gaze was unwaveringly fixed on Christ. He proclaimed boldly, “to live is Christ.” Christ indeed resided in Paul. He surged through Paul because Paul willingly surrendered his own sinful inclinations. He aligned himself with the glorious will of God.

Are we truly focused on “me,” or are we wholly centered on “Christ”? Are we seizing every precious opportunity laid before us? None of us appear to be embracing the final stretch of our lives with the fierce urgency that Paul exemplified. When we neglect to prioritize Christ, we risk delaying our devotion. We push our complete commitment to serving the Lord into an uncertain future. How many of us have convinced ourselves of our future dedication to the Lord? We think we will do this later when we finally have more time.

I truly resonate with this feeling! I’ve thought there may come a time when I can devote myself fully to ministry. Maybe when my heart and soul are bursting with energy and zeal to I can share the Word. Maybe one day, I’ll have the courage to reach out to my co-workers. I haven’t touched them yet with my message. Maybe when my marriage is fixed, I will have time. Maybe when life settles down. maybe… when…. But here’s the stark reality: that future may never come.

One of Satan’s most insidious temptations lies in whispering to believers, “Yes, you should absolutely take on that divine calling. Just do it… later.”

So, what shall we do? Resolve to wholeheartedly live for the Lord while we have the precious chance! This extraordinary journey begins with your own walk with Him. It radiates its powerful influence to your family. It also influences your church and your ministry. Embrace this calling with fervor and let it transform every aspect of your life!

Paul’s hope for being with Christ

As much as Paul seized every chance to serve the Lord, his heart burned even more fiercely with a singular desire: to be with Christ. Yearning to return home to the Lord, Paul held this hope as his greatest dream and source of joy. His death wouldn’t merely be an ending. It would signify the triumphant finish line of his earthly race. It would usher him into a glorious new life in heaven with the Lord. There, his soul would finally find its ultimate peace and fulfillment.

Paul was not merely tethered to this world; he was a soul yearning for the ultimate reunion with his Creator. He held no selfish desire to cling to life. He was free from the burden of worldly ambitions that could delay his departure. He was ready to embrace eternity at any moment, yet this readiness sparked a fervent fire within him. Instead of idly waiting for his heavenly ascent, he fervently poured his energy into sharing the Gospel with others. Why? He was driven by an unshakeable hope. He had a burning desire for others to experience that same glorious opportunity to be united with Christ.

Notice how profoundly the text refrains from stating that he longed to depart for heaven. In fact, it hardly even whispers the words heaven or paradise. Often, when sharing the gospel, a preacher enthusiastically poses the question, “Do you want to go to heaven?” Many may jump at the chance with a fervent yes! Yet, the far more compelling inquiry is, “Do you yearn to be with Christ?” Paul’s heart races, not for the allure of heaven. Instead, it races for the exhilarating prospect of being in the presence of Christ!

Would you truly desire to enter heaven if Christ were absent? Could you find joy in leaving behind the agony and chaos of this world? Would you feel relieved, free from the weight of having God forever “watching your every move”? Or would you step into the radiant realms only to feel a profound disappointment? You might experience a crushing sense of loss. You might realize that even amidst the gold, sumptuous feasts, and ethereal melodies, the absence of sorrow, tears, and illness, the very presence of God was missing.

With fervent hearts, we yearn to be united with the Lord, and our deepest desire is anchored in a profound longing to bask in His divine presence.

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Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 5:8
• Galatians 2:18-20
• 1 Peter 5:10
• Romans 8:18
• 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Discussion Questions

•  What does it mean “to live is Christ”?
•  Where does the world find meaning in life?
•  What were the advantages of each of the possible roads (death and life) in front of him?
•  Is verse 25 a supernatural revelation or just a firm belief on Paul’s part?
•  Is there anything in this world holding you back from wanting to be with Christ in heaven?
•  Is there anything in this world that makes you hope that Jesus will come back later to give you more time on earth?
•  Are you scared of dying, or do you have the same calm assurance that Paul had that dying is immensely beneficial?
•  If you were in Paul’s position of being wrongfully imprisoned, what kind of things would you write to your family/friends/brothers/sisters in Christ?

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