"To Live is Christ, ...."

In Philippians 1:21, we read: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

 

I think I have gained a new appreciation for what this verse really means.  It doesn't mean that Paul was absolutely indifferent to his own life.  He would certainly take necessary precautions and would avoid subjecting himself to unnecessary danger.  Throughout the epistles, he reminds his readers to discipline themselves, making no provision for the flesh.  He speaks of the body as the "temple of the Holy Spirit."  Clearly, Paul was not interested in a hedonistic lifestyle.

 

No, what Paul is saying is that if it pleases God to take him out of this world, whether through suffering for the cause of Christ or in some other way, he will gladly submit himself to the will of God.  He will also take care, however, to keep himself physically and mentally ready to do the work of God whenever the opportunity arises. 

 

This insight came to me as I was considering my own life and work.  There are easy things we can do to make sure that we do not unnecessarily jeopardize our own health or ability to be involved in the work of Christ.  For a 560-year-old guy who's a little overweight, this is a good thing to remember.  I rejoice at the prospect of going to heaven; but I dare not be careless about the journey God has given me to complete on earth.  This, I suppose,  is part of what it means to be Christ-centered rather than self-centered.