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

Most of us probably wouldn't have any trouble finishing the sentence  "For me, to live is...."  The question is: How would we finish it?

For me, to live is family -  For me, to live is my career,- For me, to live is being successful - For me, to live is being comfortable - For me, to live is making enough money to finally enjoy life.  None of those things are necessaritly bad, in fact, many of them are gifts from God. But Paul makes an incredible statement in Philippians 1:21: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain"   Paul was not saying that Jesus was simply part of his life, Jesus was the center of his life.

That changes the way we approach an ordinary Monday. IF to live is Christ, then following Jesus isnt something reserved for Sunday mornings. It affects how I treat the person who frustrates me, it affects the way I speak to my family, it affects how I work when nobody is watching , it affects what I do with my time, my money, my opportunites, and even my interruptions. 

I believe that sometimes we make the Christian life more complicated than it needs to be.  Before you walk into work: TO LIVE IS CHRIST, When someone test your patience: TO LIVE IS CHRIST, When the day doesnt go accoring to your plan: TO LIVE IS CHRIST, When you have an opportunity to encourage someone: TO LIVE IS CHRIST.

Maybe that is a good question to carry with you today and into this week:  If Christ really is my life, what should look different about the way I live today?  You don't have to change the whole world today, just faithfully represent Jesus in the part of the world He has placed you in. Let people see something of Christ in the way you speak, work, respond, forgive, and love.

Live Faithfully and Make Christ Visible
Pastor Dave