Sunday Reflection: To Die is Gain

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Philippians 1:21-23

Prayer:
How can a man find joy in death? How can a man say that departing this life is far better? Death is what I am trying to delay yet I must die to gain? O Lord, I want to live as though I desire death. To live in such a way that my days in the flesh are filled with fruit from my labor as I confidently look forward to death as something of great gain. Your Son, the Christ, makes all this possible. Because Christ died for me, I can find joy in dying for Him. Because Christ died for me, my days can be filled with fruit from my labor. Because Christ died for me, departing this life to be with Him is far better. Because Christ died for me, my death is something of great gain. And I thank you, God, for Your plan of redemption through Christ that makes life worth living and death so sweet. On this Lord’s day, I rejoice in the bread of His broken body and the drink of His blood. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain! Amen!

Truth in love,
Heather