“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)
“I love you and I can die for you” is a popular statement often made by partners in romantic relationships. Yet, this promise usually proves null and void, as some of those relationships eventually end, and the promising partner is still living. It begs the question: Is dying for someone (or something) truly possible? Such a sacrifice can only be made if the reason is worth more than anything else in this world.
But imagine if someone meant it. Imagine living with a purpose so deep, so consuming, that death itself became a welcome expression of devotion. That was Paul’s mindset, and not just his, but that of the early Church as well. These were men and women who didn’t just believe in Jesus; they lived and died for Him. Their lives had one purpose: Christ. Their death was not a loss, but a gain.
Most of the apostles did suffer gruesome deaths, and rejoiced at the thought of being reunited with God because, for them, to die for Christ was gain. Surely, they had cracked a code that others were yet to figure out. They had found their purpose on earth.
A person’s purpose is their primary aim in life. It is the one thing for which they were created and must succeed at, because without it, nothing else will truly matter. For the believer, the knowledge that Jesus came as a man and gave His life for humanity should point not only to salvation but also to purpose. This purpose entails knowing Christ and making Him known, as you are committed to living and dying for Him. Living for Jesus means He becomes the centre of your life, and you can gladly devote your time, energy, and resources to Him. But it does not stop there; you carry a mandate to introduce Christ to others, continuing the ministry of reconciliation between God and humanity (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
The paradox of purpose is that your reason for living is also worth dying for. The death you face may not be literal. You are called to die to the flesh, to sinful desires, addictions, and selfish pleasures. You die for comfort and convenience for the sake of gaining Christ.
Ask yourself today: What am I living for? If it is not for Christ, it is worthless. When Jesus becomes your purpose, even sacrifice becomes gain. That is the paradox of true purpose. At any time, be ready to declare like Paul that to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 93 -95, Revelation 5