Philippians 1: 20-21 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
This is a truly inspired message from Paul. As he was in chains in a prison, God worked through him to spread the word to a very influential crowd. The guards that held him captive. Paul was able to witness by his actions and his commitment to God that joy transcends your physical circumstance.
How many times to we get distracted and take our eyes off of God by the surrounding circumstances in our lives? Maybe it is important to make a comparison to a really key part of this passage: For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
Do this as a "fill-in-the-blank" and see how it reads for your life circumstances. It is a really good way to see how you are centered. Look at the examples that I've provided and imagine how you can truthfully fill this out. When you really put Christ first in your life and "live for Him", you are not afraid, you are not insecure, you are not easily angered, you do not put yourself first, you have the Spirit of God directing your life.
For to me, living means living for _________, and dying is ____________.
1. my beautiful home - is something I fear
2. the influence I have over others - is nothing to look forward to.
3. the sports car that I drive - a real depressing thought
4. my physical appearance - how I feel about getting old with wrinkles.
5. the size of my retirement plan - after I've spent most of my money on myself
What are you living for?
Live Boldly in Christ