“For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Observations:
What does Paul mean? He talks about making a difference for Christ either in life or in death. He says if he lives in the body it means fruitful labor for him. If he dies he is united with Christ and in a far better place. He’d rather die, but knows he can do more for Christ if he continues on earth.

Application:
Interesting. How do I apply this to my life? “To live is Christ.” Everything I do, do it for God. Integrate it so much into my life that it is my life. It is what I live for. Be sold out, on fire for God until I can’t any longer and I’m taken home to heaven. Life provides so many distractions from this. Work, relationships, money, worry, temptation…it all moves me away from living for Christ. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you as well.” Matt 6:33 Follow God and let him take care of the rest.

Prayer:
God, I’m not very good at living for you. I’m so easily distracted by the world and all its allure. Forgive me for that. I want to live for you. Help me to focus on you, to seek you first, to put you as top priority. Help me to hand over the reins of my life to you and then to simply enjoy the ride.