Reflection of what our lives is very important. I do not mean reflection as in this life is over and nothing else will be accomplished. What I do mean is simply to take a look at the purpose for your life. Reflect on why we are here. What is our goal? How much have people really changed from ancient days until now. What do you live for?
I think if we are honest with ourselves we will see how selfish we can be and are most of the time. There are very few days where I truly live like I should. My goal on this Earth is to Glorify Jesus Christ as my Savior and God. How does that manifest itself in my daily life? Or, does it? Paul in v.21 of Philippians states “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Are we living our lives for Christ, and yet, ready and actually excited about the prospect of passing on from this world? That is such a hard thing to grasp. One thing I wanted to point out was Paul’s constitution about death. What does it mean? And ultimately, why does he feel this way and what does (should) it mean for our life?
Paul, in v.22-26, is wrestling with the idea of going home to be with Christ, or staying and further ministering to the brethren. He talks about this similarly in 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 when he mentions that being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Brothers, we have to understand that when we die, if we are true believers in Christ, then we will be present with the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our comforter. Take heart in that fact.
How do we live our lives though knowing that we have such a great thing waiting for us, as Paul mentions in v. 23. In fact, he mentions it is far better! So how do we live while here? How can we Glorify Christ? In v.22 Paul mentions that he wants his life to be fruitful labor. In v.24-26 he mentions that staying in this world is good for the believers there in order to further help them grow in their sanctification. As brothers in Christ our presence and ministry can encourage each other while we are waiting to go home to be with the Lord.
We should set our sights on two things: ministering to the saved; seeking to save the lost. Having a compassion for the lost is something Christ exemplified throughout His entire ministry here on Earth. Having this heart, Christ is glorified. When we minister to the brethren, as Paul states in v. 26, it can give ample cause for us to glorify Christ because of that ministry. We may not realize the impact that our lives have on others. Serving Christ, we may not always see what has and will transpire in peoples’ lives. That is okay, to Christ be the Glory.
So now, it is important for us to reflect on what our lives are all about. What is our goal and purpose? Do we live to Glorify Christ? Do we look forward to being with Christ in death? Are we okay with the prospect of passing on even today? Do we even think about death? And, do we think about it in a positive light? How will our lives be defined? What will people remember about us? Will it be that we were a servant of Christ? Lord, let that be what others say about me. Whether by my life or by my death, Christ be honored.
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