The Apostle Paul wrote this at a time where his own death was a very real prospect. I can’t imagine what it was like to be in his shoes, but every day that goes by brings me one step closer to the end of this life. That’s simple truth, not pessimism.
More directly, as my children are no longer children; as friends that are my age suffer from various diseases; as the Coronavirus visits illness and death around the world; the urgency to tell others about the new life that is found only in a relationship with Jesus Christ amplifies.
“To live is Christ” – this life is about building our own relationship with our Creator openly and honestly. Perfection from any human is an unreasonable expectation to say the least. But what is a good expectation for those that follow Christ is to react differently – both when we succeed and when we fail. We should do all with humility; and we should forgive those who fail around us – especially when we are impacted by it.
Simply put – we live with Christ lifted high for all to see. We point to Him and we point others to Him. We praise His Name in this life through good times and bad.
“To die is gain” – Dying in this world is feared and mourned, but that should only be for those that don’t have a relationship with Christ. When we leave this world, we leave behind sickness, pain, sorrow, and evil. We do not leave behind life – rather we gain true and eternal life! We should consider this the end of a race, but the award ceremony and eternal celebrations are waiting for those of us who ran well.
#LoveMatters