For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.
—Philippians 1:21-25 (NLT)
There is nothing I love more than helping others experience the joy of their faith—to know peace and joy at all times. Peace and joy, which aren't dependent on what is happening around you, become yours as you grow in your relationship with the Lord. If you are growing, you are on a journey to learn your identity, and that journey continues to the day He calls you home.
Growing in your knowledge of who you are in Christ and experiencing His hand on your life, keeps you safely secured in this world and in believing in your promise of life after death. Paul was secure in His faith. He was torn between the desire to live or die. To die was to be with Christ. To live was to live for Him.
“I long to go and be with Christ,” he wrote, “which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.” His heart was already with the Lord in heaven, and he longed for that promise to be fulfilled. But Paul knew he had a purpose in the lives of believers.
“Knowing this,” he continued, “I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.” Paul knew he had a purpose of helping others experience the joy of their faith. Paul was convinced. He would live because he believed it.
In Christ, you are an overcomer. Do you believe it? You have the peace of God, which passes all understanding. Do you experience it? You have joy that is not dependent on what is happening. Is it yours? Right now, the world says to fear. Without knowing your identity in Christ, your peace and joy will be dependent on your feelings.
Now is the time to get in the Word, and learn who you are. You have a reason to live—for you to live is Christ.
©2020 Lynn Lacher
www.lynnlacher.com/2020/04/for-me-to-live-is-christ.html
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