To live is Christ, to die is even better. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1, verse 21. The apostle Paul saw his entire existence through the lens of his Saviour. If he lived, it was for Christ's glory. If he died, it was for Christ's presence. Either way, he was wholly surrendered to Christ. Christ was the source, the substance and the goal of his life.

To live is Christ. What does this mean? It means that Christ is the purpose of our lives, the joy of our hearts and the strength of our souls. Whether in trials or triumphs, in sorrows or joys, Christ is the centre of all we do. Our lives are not our own, they are His. To a man who lives for Christ, nothing is secular, everything is sacred. To draw nearer to Christ is his life's ambition. To glorify Christ is his daily business. To live for Christ is his greatest joy.

But then Paul adds, to die is gain. How can death, the dreaded enemy of mankind, be gain? To the world, death is the worst possible loss, it is the end of all earthly hopes and dreams. But for the believer, death is simply the doorway into eternal, unbroken fellowship with Christ. It is the shedding of all sin, the end of all suffering, and the entrance into the fullness of joy in our Saviour's presence. To die is to be with Christ, to behold Him in all His glory, and to rest in His love forever. No more pain, no more tears, only Christ, in the fullness of His beauty and glory.

Dear Christian, do not fear what the world fears. Your life is Christ's, and your death is but a passage into his presence, to a glory beyond imagining. Take heart. Your life is Christ, your death is gain, and your eternity is secure in his loving hands. Live for Christ today, and long for the day when you shall see him face to face.

I desire to depart and be with Christ which is better by far. Philippians chapter 1 verse 23

We know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he really is. 1 John chapter 3 verse 2