For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
Paul is talking about our future inheritance and position in Christ. Though he experienced suffering, he did not fear physical death because our eternity with Christ is so much better than anything here. It is easy to get focused on our future reward when reading this passage but I see Paul saying the same thing twice. Christ is gain – whether in life or death.
When he says to live is Christ, he is giving Christ his all – his every focus, his every care, his only goal. In other words, as he has said so many other places, he has put to death his own desires.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
When I seek to imitate Christ, I have to consider where He went. Can I put to death my own desires and take up the cross to follow Him as He asked?
If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. Luke 9:23
Living for Christ is really the same as dying to self. It is a journey – a path to sanctification, a return to first love, a daily process of putting God first. And to die to self is gain – practically and positionally. We set aside worry and striving. We receive peace. And most importantly, we gain Him.
Dying to self while still in this body profits me – I can live for Christ fearlessly doing His work and abiding with Him. And when this physical tent goes, I will gain a resurrection future and eternity with Him in full that I now only experience in part.
You have died with Christ, and He has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. Colossians 2:20
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