“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Philippians 1:21-23).
What kind of choices do you face today? In this passage from the book of Philippians, Paul was faced with a major choice. The choice to live or to die.
Many people, at some point in their lives, faces a life or death choice. It usually revolves around an illness, like a cancer. Do I go through difficult treatment or do I allow my illness to run its natural course? Paul faced this kind of choice, except that it was knowing if he continued in his ministry, someone might kill him. But notice what Paul says. If he stays it would mean, “Fruitful labor for me.”
We often think of life and death in terms of work and reward. On earth we work, but in heaven we rest and receive our reward. This idea may not be biblically accurate, but one thing is clear, Paul chose to remain in hopes of bringing others to Christ before he died.
You have a choice right now. Even as you are reading these words. You have a choice to make if you want your life, today, to make an impact for the kingdom of God. How can you live your life today so that others have a witness of what it means to be a Christian? Will you experience fruitful labor, as Paul calls it, or will you rest?
Now is not the time for rest. Now is the time for fruitful labor.
Memory Verse
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Application
Can you identify five people in your life who need to learn about Jesus? Whether neighbor, family, friend, or associate, how can you take steps to help them learn about who Jesus is?