Philippians: 14 Days of Hope and EncouragementSample

Have you ever defined a person’s identity or purpose by what they live for? For example, “she lives for her children” or “he lives for his job.” How would you complete this sentence: For me, to live is _______ and to die is _______.

The apostle Paul described his approach to life as “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (v. 21). His identification with Christ became inseparable from the rest of his life. What makes this especially significant is that he made this declaration during a time when persecution wasn’t merely a potential risk, it was his reality. In fact, Paul wrote this letter to the Philippian church while he was a Roman prisoner.

Reading Philippians 1:19-30 should motivate us to examine what we live for. Are we living for Christ only when it’s easy or safe? Are we reluctant to identify with Him when we’re with a group of people who don’t share our beliefs and values, or when persecution is a real possibility?

More than that, Paul spoke of the joy that would result from his time with the Philippian believers. Again, so challenging for us today. How willing are we to risk our comfort—and even safety—so that someone else can experience increased joy?

What an example for us, especially on difficult days when we’re weary and discouraged, or lonely for those who have gone ahead of us to heaven and we long to join them.

We have the privilege of honoring God and glorifying Jesus in our circumstances. The sun and moon provide a beautiful picture of this. Although the moon has no light of its own, it shines by reflecting the sun’s light. Clouds may obscure our view of the moon, but it continues to do what it was created to do: reflect the sun. May this be said of us: that we reflect God’s glory even when the clouds of circumstances block our view.

What—or who—do you live for?

~ Ava Pennington

Author, Speaker, Bible study teacher, and Faith Over Fear podcast host