Counted Loss for Christ

 Phil 3:7
But what things were gained to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

The things of this world that we often hope and dream for loose their attraction in light of eternity. Coming to the knowledge of knowing Christ, and the living power He provides to every believer is worth all the treasures of this world. The song writer writes, “I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold; I'd rather be His than have riches untold;  I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands.  I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.” We need to get our eyes off this world’s treasures and focus our eyes on Him. “Fix My Eyes on You” another song writer has penned, and count all things loss that I may gain more of the presence of Christ.

To Die is Gain

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

Dying is not something one longs for. We do all we can to avoid the crossing of that river. In our old age, am told that there comes a point when one is ready to let go. suffering and pain overtakes the desire to live much longer, but in our youth and years of vitality, we seek to stretch out our days on this earth as long as we can. The fear of death is soften knowing that this world is only temporary and that our soul will live on forever. Living in Christ on this earthly journey prepares us for the gain we will receive when our bodies are laid to rest. It is a win -win situation for those who serve God. As long as God gives me breath, I will live for Him. For living in Christ is to have everlasting life, eternal life in the kingdom of God has begun. When it is time to depart this world, there is heaven to gain, and seeing Jesus face to face is all that matters.

Love Life

John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Most people love life. We don’t relish the day that our bodies fail us and death’s door knocks. Death is our enemy and we go to any means to preserve life on earth. So, the words of Christ appear to go contrary to human nature. Surely Christ did not imply that we should hate living and pray for death to take us. Christ was not speaking of our physical body, but our eternal soul. The spiritual life that God instills in each one of us. What really matters in this life? If we live for this world and the material gain, we will lose what really matters. Seek first the Kingdom on God, and God will take care of all our material needs in this life. We must be willing to die to the temporal life of the pleasure of sin and the want of material gain. Dying to self goes contrary to how the world lives. Everyone is out to make sure number 1 is taking care of first. If we are to know real life, we must die to our selfish desires to please ourselves, and allow Christ to give us new life, eternal life, life that sets it’s affections on things above and not on things of this world. Let us love life. Life in Christ. “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain”

To Die is Gain

Phil 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”-

For a Christian who believe in the resurrection of life, a life beyond this earth, death is a win-win situation. To continue to live and breathe on this world is to be able to live for Christ and show forth His love to the world. To die is to be with Him forever. “Death where is your sting, grave where is your victory” No doubt, life on earth will come to an end for all who are born to this earth. If we live to be 80 or more, we have lived beyond the average life expectancy for those who live in the USA. Life is like a vapor, it is here for a moment and they it is gone. The short life we live is a gift from God. But, the greatest gift is that of eternal life. Eternal life through Christ. Even though death is a river we all must cross, and it is one that we all avoid, the fear of it can be removed when we believe that Christ will conquer death for us and we will be with Him for eternity. Let us live today to fulfill the purpose that Christ gave us breathe, and let us be always ready to die, so we can be forever with Him.