²¹ For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21 NKJV)

Read today’s scripture again and search your heart on whether you can truly say this and mean it.

That’s tough. I know, I search myself regularly and ask these types of questions regarding my faith life. Yes, I do try to live my life in Christ, but I am not perfect, I fail. So to say to “live is Christ” I know I have more to go to get there. But the faith life is a journey. God does not expect me to be perfect, He just wants me to strive for His Son’s perfection.

To die is gain. Another hard statement. I am sure for those who have faced death in some way in their lives they can answer this more clearly. We are blessed living in America and we are not asked to die for our faith. That time may come, but we are not there yet. Do I believe I could stand strong in the face of death, I hope so, I believe I could but I hope I never have to. However, I say that knowing that one day I will face death, even if of natural causes, and I want to face that time well.

Reflect on: Today’s scripture gives us much to reflect on. Spend time today considering the two “is’”.