Paul’s Life for Christ (Day 4)

Read Philippians 1:20-26
   To those who don’t believe in God, life on earth is all there is, and so it is natural for them to strive for this world’s values: money, popularity, power, pleasure, and prestige. For Paul, however, to live meant to develop eternal values and to tell others about Christ, who alone could help them see life from an eternal perspective. Paul’s whole purpose in life was to speak out boldly for Christ and become more like Him. Thus, Paul could confidently say that dying would be even better than living, because in death he would be removed from worldly troubles, and he would see Christ face to face (1 John 3). If you’re not ready to die, then you’re not ready to live. Make certain of your eternal destiny; then you will be free to serve: Devoting your life to what really counts, without fear of death. 
   Whether Paul lived or died, he wanted to exalt Christ. As it turned out, he was released from his imprisonment but arrested again two or three years later. Only faith in Christ could sustain Paul in such adversity. Paul had a purpose for living when he served the Philippians and others. We also need a purpose for living that goes beyond providing for our own physical needs. Whom can you serve or help? What is your purpose for living?