Good vs. Better

By Pastor Kevin

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21

I helped lead the memorial service today for my friend Rob. He became a follower of Jesus in the past three years and I got to see the wonder and joy he experienced as his relationship with God grew and impacted all the areas of his life. He was a changed man!

Paul, has been writing about his great joy in seeing this life changing good news about Jesus preached more and more boldly. His attitude is to see his circumstances(a prison cell and upcoming trial for his life) as the radical and joyful outworking of his supreme purpose. He is so enthralled with his savior who changed him that to serve, preach, and even suffer for him is a great honor and what his new life with Jesus is all about.
The only thing better would be if he came to the point of leaving this life. Why would that be?
Because death for a Christian is a doorway to our eternal home with Christ. It is not an escape, but a destination. Paul is satisfied to serve any way he can to proclaim the message, but he knows that this is a job that ends with a greater reward, being with Jesus.

As we serve in this life, we have the privilege of shaping all that we do to align with the good news of gospel love and forgiveness that has changed us; and when we, like my friend Rob, finally come to the day we depart this life, we gain the greatest of gifts, eternal life with our Savior! May your life be for Christ until that great Day of gain!

Our Good God,
Let us know your love, so that we can have Paul’s attitude toward others. Help us be so motivated by the life change you have done in us, that we can’t keep it in. Grant us wisdom and patience as we share the good news with others until we see you face to face.
In Christ’s name and for his glory, Amen