“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
Living on in this life or going on to be with the Lord in death, is all gain for us. Yes, to depart and be with Christ is better by far (Philippians 1:23), but to stay is to labour in the hope of mankind—The Church of Christ.
However, do not be surprised if you have mixed feelings about suddenly going on to your reward. Knowing that your soul is guaranteed a place in heaven doesn’t automatically illuminate your fondness for the good things of this life.
Though Paul yearned to be in the presence of the Lord, he believed that continuing here was more necessary for the progress and joy of the saints (Philippians 1:24-25). For Paul, the good things of this life for which he had fondness were either in the church or he was trying to add them to the church.
You and I are engaged in the same “good fight” in which our apostolic brothers once fought to the death. It raged then, and it rages now. It is with The Sword of the Spirit (The Word of God), that we cut through Satan’s hate. Paul told Timothy, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13).
Soul saving faith and love are not found outside of Jesus Christ. To possess them is to have the strength to daily battle the forces of Satan. With them we glory to suffer as Jesus suffered, knowing that we will join him in his glory.
Until he comes…I am ready!
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11).
John Staiger