For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Philippians 1:21-26
Paul was in a painful situation; a prisoner, awaiting trial and eventual execution. But his desire to go and join with Jesus was not a choice he got to make. He could not gain the release of death at the time he wanted because to go and be with Jesus, he would have to contradict his own devotion to serve the Lord.
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
Philippians 3:4b-9
Speaking of gain a little later on, he talks about what his real gain was: to lose everything and attain Jesus. Any of the worldly credentials he could have claimed, he casts off, so that he can truly hold onto Jesus, the only seal of approval that matters.
Where are you in your life? Contented and happy in worldly things or eager to leave the strife of this world? Either way, give up your pride and cling to Jesus. He is the only true righteousness we can gain!
Ethan Kirl
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