Exploiters vs. Embracers
To Live is Christ – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Philippians 1:15-26

Key Verse: Philippians 1:21

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

To embrace Christ is to see Him as our very life.  Jesus is not to be our life only when things are going well, but especially when life turns on us.  The Apostle Paul was in jail, chained like a common criminal, simply because he was sharing the Good News.  Yet we read his perspective on these events; “What has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance…to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:19b and Philippians 1:21).  In other words, Paul was good with living or dying; either way he was delivered from the chains.  Paul embraced Jesus, no matter what was going on around him.

            Have you truly embraced Jesus?  Will you live out today with this kind of courage?  Can you say with Paul, it does not matter how God builds this day; this is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it?  Life in Jesus is a life secure in the good, pleasing and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).  Whatever has happened or will happen is in God’s hands.  To die simply means we are ushered into the presence of God to live in eternal, unimaginable joy!  To live is to know that God has plans to bless you and use you to help others find faith in Him.

            I would call this attitude an attitude of relaxation.  We need not stress out about anything.  God is in control and He is good all the time!

Father, I don’t know what I may face today, but I am going to relax in you and live to the fullest!  You are good and I trust your love and wisdom.  In Jesus’ name, amen.