For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. 1 Philippians 1:21 NABRE
Paul writes a very encouraging passage, which is somewhat personal as well. He is rejoicing because he knows the results accomplished through him and the Philippians is through their prayers and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Paul says boldly that Christ is magnified in his body in life or death. It is surprising to think that Christ can be made greater through Paul, which is probably not what Paul means. Rather Paul speaks like Mary in the prayer she prays when meeting Elizabeth, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” (See Luke 1:46.) Paul hopes that through him others will see Christ, and hold Christ in higher esteem. Paul thinks this is possible whether he continues sharing the message of the gospel, or if his dies for the sake of Christ. All Paul is doing is for Christ, in fact Paul claims his life is Christ and if he dies it is gain. Paul’s relationship with Christ has so changed his life, that his own idea of life is changed. For Paul, living means being in relationship with Christ, all of Paul is for Christ. If Paul dies he knows the door to Christ is open to a more direct and personal relationship, Paul knows he will be in the presence of Christ, his risen Lord. If he lives it will be fruitful labor for Christ, if he dies it will be extraordinary presence with Christ. Paul could not choose, either is a win-win situation, live for Christ or die for Christ.
We should be as joy filled as Paul and we can be if we give our all for Christ. It is not so difficult, but not many people do it fully. We only need to put others first, as Christ did. We don’t need to win, we can lose for Christ. When we lose for others, they win and Christ wins. In their winning they should see Christ in us.
Is your life Christ? Is living or dying a win-win for you?
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