The apostle Paul got me to thinking about what it means for me to live. I don’t sit around thinking about it all the time, but the apostle helps me come to a point of clarity. Maybe it is something I need to think about from time to time. Maybe we all should.
The apostle Paul was so committed to His life in Christ that he was torn between possibly dying in prison or continuing on in his ministry. Death held no fear for him, and he was ready to receive the outcome of his faith should he die. At the same time, he wanted to “remain on in the flesh” (vs. 24), so that he could continue his ministry. He was really torn. In the end, he thought God would spare his life for the time being and that he would continue in ministry.
After expressing his thoughts, Paul turned to the Church and said to them, “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (vs. 27). He wanted God’s people to stand “firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (vs. 27). God’s people were facing persecution and very difficult times. Paul wanted them to know that they would even suffer for the sake of Jesus (vs. 29-30). Thus the question, what does it mean for me to live.
The Season of Lent brings us to the sobering reality that in this world there will be people who do not understand the grace and mercy of God, will be offended at the thought of God, and even make life miserable for those who proclaim Christ Jesus as their Lord. Still, the call is for us to conduct ourselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” and to stand “firm in the one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (vs. 27). May it be said of each one of us, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
History tells us that during China’s Boxer Rebellion of 1900, insurgents captured a mission station, blocked all the gates but one, and in front of that one gate placed a cross flat on the ground. Then the word was passed to those inside that any who trampled the cross underfoot would be permitted their freedom and life, but that any refusing would be shot. Terribly frightened, the first seven students trampled the cross under their feet and were allowed to go free. But the eighth student, a young girl, refused to commit the sacrilegious act. Kneeling beside the cross in prayer for strength, she arose and moved carefully around the cross, and went out to face the firing squad. Strengthened by her example, every one of the remaining ninety-two students followed her to the firing squad.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
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