For Me To Live Is Christ

“For Me to Live is Christ”

And to die is to Live Again

Philippians 1:21 “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

One subject that we don’t enjoy talking about is death. We want to talk about life and having it more abundantly. The Apostle Paul had a different perspective on life and death. He said, “For me to live is Christ and to die that is even better.”

The Apostle Paul lived in the light of eternity. He made decisions based on eternity.

We also should determine to live and make decisions to experience a life of no regrets.

As I reflect on my life over the years I’m thankful I made the decision to become a Christ follower.

I’m thankful, although I fought it for a year that I made the commitment to go into full time Christian Ministry.

I’m thankful God led me to date and marry a committed Christian willing to partner with me in ministry.

I’m thankful I made the decision to surrender my all to Jesus and do His will above my will.

My prayer is that every one of you will make the commitment:

I. Live Your Life to Honor Christ.

With the Apostles Paul you can make the commitment and say: “For me to life is Christ…” Jesus calls us to live a Christ honoring life.

It’s amazing that in the divine providence of God He created everyone with the ability to control his or her own life. Thee are two things you have no control over, your birth and your death. You do have control over the dash in between your birth and death. People who died have the date listed 1940 – 2009. What happens during the dash for the most part is up to each individual.

Bad things may happen that we don’t have control over, but we do have control of how we react or respond to what does happen.

The Psalmist prayed, “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

My mother had a great dash in her life. My mother was born 1907 and died in 1969. She was 62 years old. Most of my mother’s dash was a life of faith. She left a legacy of faith for her family. She lived and taught a “Can do” attitude. My mother lived a Christ honoring life.

Why is it that many people don’t seem to care about the dash ----------? Their attitude is “Whatever will be will be!” “Why change – I’m doing just fine.”

Jesus said that He came as the Light of the World, but people choose to live in darkness. “Satan, the god of this evil world has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don’t understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4

Satan blinds the spiritual eyes of people. Jesus came as the Light of the world to give spiritual sight to all who receive Him and honor him as Lord of all.

Right now you are in control of the dash in your life. Decide to follow Jesus and honor him with your dash.

The story is told about a guy who went to the doctor to get the results of his annual physical. His doctor met with him and said, “I’m sorry, Bob. I’ve got some bad news for you. The tests show that you have a terminal disease. You only have six months to life.” Bob let the news sink in and asked, “Is there anything I can do, any experimental drugs or treatment? There has to be something I can try? The doctor thought for a moment and said, “Thee is one thing. You can move to the country and buy a pig farm and raise pigs. Then you can find a widow who has fourteen or fifteen kids, marry her, and bring all of them to live with you on the farm.” Bob looked puzzled and said, “And that will help me live longer?” The doctor said, “No, but it will seem like the longest six months of your life?”

II Live in the Power of the Holy Spirit

Throughout his earthly ministry Jesus told his followers that after He departed He would send the Holy Spirit to empower them to live a life of victory. In their own strength the disciples doubted, they experienced jealousy, envy, competitive spirit and fear. On the Day of Pentecost they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and were filled with the love of Jesus and became bold witnesses of the risen Christ.