To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians&version=ESV

Paul was imprisoned here on earth and was longing to be with the Lord, but he was certain that his earthly stay was fruitful because of the Philippians and other believers who received the gospel of truth. He was a faithful steward of all of the riches Christ entrusted to him and knew that he would not be ashamed when he had to give an account at the judgment seat of God Almighty when all his works would be on display. Part of his legacy would be the hearts that he affected and his love for the Philippians is clearly displayed in this letter.

Are we making an impact in such as way that others can clearly see God's glory in our lives? Do we display the love that comes from coupling knowledge and discernment together? Neither of them alone are sufficient, but only when faith brings forth works does our salvation become evident and the fruits of the Spirit become abundant. Salvation is a gift given by the death of Christ on the cross when the Savior of the world humbled Himself and poured Himself out as a drink offering to the Father. This gift, though, needs to become part of who we are and so they and you are admonished to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." God works and requires us to work as well and we must never treat lightly the cost of our salvation.

When worldly pleasures are calling out to us, we must remain ever mindful of eternity. All of us are running after something, whether it is the race of mercy that ends in hearing the Lord say "Good and faithful servant, enter into My rest" or the race of destruction where we pursue what seems to satisfy the belly and our sinful cravings but results in hearing "Depart from me, for I never knew you." Will we be radiant jewels in the crown of Christ or will we be branches fit for nothing except for feeding to the fire? Paul knew was it was to run the grueling race of an evangelist and an apostle and he was satisfied that his efforts were not in vain.

We must never think that we have attained the prize this side of eternity but must stay vigilant in the midst of darkness and pain. God's Word provides the life of fellowship and comfort while we trod upon this lonely sod and catch glimpses of the glory of the King of kings. One day we will have our eyes opened to the full glory of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and we will cry out, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts."

I close with Chapter 4, verses 4 through 8.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."