NOT SELF-CENTERED LIVING, BUT LIVING FOR OTHERS
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. 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. 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, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. —Philippians 1:20-26
Paul expected and hoped that he would “in no way be ashamed.” And so it is the case for all who call on our Lord Jesus— As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame” (Romans 10:11). So, like Paul, may we “have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” Yes, may we think like that and live like that. Oh, that we would have the same mindset as Paul when He said, “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. Oh, may this be so in our own lives!
Paul was torn between his desire to depart this life and be with Jesus, which he said was far better, but he knew “it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” His life was to be lived for others and not for himself. He was absolutely convinced that he would remain in the body for “your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.” Oh, may this be the case for you and I as well. May our life on this planet be for—
- The progress of others in their faith
- The joy of others in their faith
- The abounding boasting of others in Christ Jesus
Dear Father, may this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOY5UIKB2e0&list=RDGOY5UIKB2e0&start_radio=1