Are You Living For Christ?

A million things could have been going through Paul the apostle’s mind as he sat in his prison cell around AD 61. But as he penned a letter to some faithful brethren in Philippi, he had hardly finished his greeting when he wrote, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). One might ask, “How does one become as fully devoted to God as Paul was, even in the face of such adversity?” Let’s look together at some aspects of Paul’s life that might help us better understand why he clung to the cross of Christ with such zeal.

Paul was poor in spirit, realizing how lost he had been without Christ. He said, “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (I Tim 1:15). He didn’t think more of himself than he should have, but gave the Lord all the credit for any good that was in him or was done by him.

Though he realized where he lacked, he didn’t let his shortcomings or past mistakes hinder him from doing what he could for God. Paul endeavored to forget the past and press on towards his eternal goal of heaven. (Phil 3:13-14)

Paul did not place too much importance on the things on earth. Paul wrote, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:1-3). He sought heavenly things because he knew that true life is with Christ!

Can you honestly say that Christ lives in you? Can you say that if you live on in the flesh, you will be living for Christ? Are you assured that if you die, you will go to be with the Lord forever? Paul gave himself completely to God, and served Him fully because God sent His son to die for him. Paul knew what his horrible fate would have been without Jesus…the same dismal fate that you and I would face without Jesus. There is nothing on this earth that is worth your soul. Please turn to God and live for Him today.

- - - - Darrell Powell

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