It's A Win Win
Please read Philippians 1:20-31 and hear Paul’s win-win scenario. Paul begins his letter to the church saying that dying is gain. How? I want to be clear; he is not being flip about death. We know from other passages in scripture that Paul understands the pain and grief and separation brought about from death, yet weighing it all out, he concludes that dying is gain. Why? Simply because he understands the value of an eternity with Christ. Paul did not view death with fear; he understood death as an opportunity to live with Christ.
Not long ago I was speaking with someone about the pain of grief. I explained that what keeps me from spiraling is imagining my person in heaven. I picture him walking the golden streets, watching his reflection in the crystal-clear water flow, admiring the foundations made of precious stones, and enjoying the bright radiance of God. I try to imagine a place of perfection, a place where there is no pain, no sadness, no sickness, just joy. I explained that to take all of that from someone I love is not what I really want. True love always wants what is best for you person, and no one would ever want to take a loved one from the bliss and fulfillment in heaven. To oversimplified Paul’s words, I believe he is explaining the inexplicable value of a relationship with Jesus and projecting the experience of living with Christ.
Paul had already experienced a life altering encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus. He had that “aha moment.” I’d venture to say that we have all had at least one aha moment – a time when divine intervention was the only way to explain the outcome. Some may call it luck, or chance – but, Church, I know it is our God. We have, in big or small ways, experienced the miracle of personally knowing Jesus…maybe by entering the room at just the right time, or going a different route only to make a profound difference, or lying in bed and feeling God’s presence, or losing control and suddenly finding yourself safe. You see, Paul had that spiritual shift which enabled him to see death as a gain. He learned of the power, mercy, forgiveness and grace of Jesus – and he never forgot it, never took it for granted. He talked about it and boasted in God’s goodness. In his transformation Paul became very concerned about people’s spiritual life, something he impressed in his daily ministry. He had tremendous sorrow when people did not accept Jesus and went to great lengths to inform others of a life in Christ.
Did you know most people come to Christ because of what they hear from those they love or what they learn from those they respect? I urge you to find opportunities to invite the conversation. Please reach out if you would like to share your testimony on a Sunday.
Paul is writing this letter from prison. He had time alone and time to think. We, too, need that time to reflect and listen to God. Friends, we need to be intentional with our time with God, not busy. Paul is showing us that God can be glorified in any situation – particularly in hardship. When our perspective on death is informed by our faith and centered on our resurrected Savior our attitude is different. What Paul is explaining is whether we are serving as Christ’s ambassadors on earth or are in the presence of the Lord, we are winning.
A few years back I attended a friend’s mother’s homegoing. We spent the day celebrating her life as a servant of Christ. I left grateful, replaying the highlights, humming hymns, happy to be alive, and confident in my eternity. Driving home, I recall thinking, this is exactly the gain Paul talked about.
The next few verses tell us to stand firm and side by side in faith. Maybe that’s easier said than done. I am often confronted with someone questioning organized religion – to which I always respond – Jesus did not come to start a religion, he came to start a relationship. That does not mean that worshiping together is unimportant, on the contrary it certainly is…being in community, worshiping publicly, and putting God in first place is very important but we cannot truly worship without a single-minded faith for the gospel. Church, we need to be united to effectively promote the gospel, working together to share the good news – not distracted by fear or opposition. From a prison to the mission field, Paul is impressing that it’s all about Jesus, his love for us, his sacrifice for us and our response to that.
We are Christians, that means little Christs, and Paul is reinforcing the weight of that calling. He emphasized we need to strive to walk right with God, standing against that which is adverse, and proclaiming the gospel even when persecuted. Paul’s letter offers encouragement, acknowledges the struggle, and reminds us to endure. In essence saying…face the adversity, don’t recoil, stand strong, stand firm, and stand together. Let is reaffirm our commitment to Jesus as we nurture the desire to please him despite the challenges. Church, whether to live or to die, let’s rejoice because we have Christ. And all God’s people say, amen.
Peace,
Pastor Kerry
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