Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Philippians 1-2 and Psalm 144

In about 62AD, while imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote his letter to the Philippian Christians to encourage them, reassure them and thank them for their support.

Chapters 1 and 2 are filled with beautiful and powerful statements about the faithful Christian life, and the ancient hymn recorded in Philippians 2:6-11 is central to the Christian faith. For the purposes of this devotion, however, let’s focus on the example of Paul’s own courageous faith in the face of his imprisonment and looming trial. He had no idea how this would all turn out, and he certainly considered that a death sentence was a very real possibility. Yet, in the face of all this, he writes:

²⁰ I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Paul is an example of the tremendous freedom that is ours if and when our hearts are truly set on glorifying and pleasing Jesus Christ above all else. Paul testifies that when this is one’s priority, one is free to overcome the urge to preserve and promote oneself. He was confident that if his trial presented him with the choice between preserving his life and staying faithful to Jesus, the Lord would give him sufficient courage in that moment to remain unashamedly committed to Jesus.

Verses 20-21 hint at two keys to this kind of confidence:

First, we need to be clear that our highest purpose is for Christ to be exalted by the way we live. When this is settled in our hearts, temptation loses its power and every moment of life becomes a blesséd opportunity to exalt Christ. Take a moment to pray that the Holy Spirit will purify your own sense of purpose and inspire you to live to exalt Christ in every word and action today!

Second, we need to be clear that Christ is our highest love, and hence we welcome anything that gives us more of Him. Ultimately, even death will not be our enemy then. Our experience of Christ in this life is a beautiful foretaste. But death brings us the main course of eternal, infinite, perfect intimacy with Christ. When it’s true for us that “to live is Christ” then “death is gain” because it means more of Christ! Take a moment to pray that the Holy Spirit will fill your heart with ever-increasing love for Jesus Christ.

Life application: As you go through your day today, focus on using every situation you’re in to please and glorify Christ, the One you love!