To Live is Christ

Computer problems! That is what has kept me from keeping up with the devotional blog this week.

Yesterday, I went to an office store and headed strait to the computer department and asked a million and one questions. Fortunately the guy helping me knew what he was talking about and was able to figure out what I could do to fix my ancient computer. A mere $40 later, and a little reading of a manual, the computer was on it’s next life…I say next life because it has died many times and is very old.

Death is a reality. Whether it be computers or people, all things have a shelf life. A beginning and and end. Hang with me here, because I am not trying to be morbid, but just getting real. Each of us has only one life, and today is not a dress rehearsal, it is being aired live. Today, Thursday April 22, 2010, is only lived once. And, this reality is, in part, what Paul was always aware of. Today’s verse is a classic center piece of New Testament life teaching.

Philippians 1:21

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for the progress of the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.”

As Paul grappled with circumstances and the human condition, it all boiled down to one key thing. To Live is Christ. It is this same point that Oswald Chambers makes to begin his classic devotional, My Utmost for His Highest.

Opening on day 1, January 1st, Oswald uses this same text and says about it, “He has asked us to yield to Him. It’s as if Paul were saying, ” My determined purpose is to be my utmost for His highest, my best for His glory.” To reach that level of determination is a matter of the will, not a debate or of reasoning. It is absolute and irrevocable surrender of the will.”

So where does that leave us? It leaves us with an example and a teaching on what life boils down to. We were created by God and for His purposes ( Col 1:16) We have been told that our life has been crucified and now it’s Christ’s life in us that is the “real deal” ( Gal 2:20) Christ himself is the center of everything for Paul.

What is life to you? Is life wealth, power, beauty, popularity, things, pleasure, being loved, having your expectations and dreams fulfilled?

What is death to you? If life is fame, then to die is to be forgotten. If life is things, then to die is to lose all that we had, etc…

We can not have the right attitude about life, without the right attitude about death. Both are part of the path of living well. Because we have today, we are to live it well, surrendered to Christ. Because we don’t know what tomorrow brings, we are to live one single day at a time.

I have a challenge for us: Today, look at life differently. Be fully aware that this April 22, 2010, comes just once. Leave each hour fully, and check in regularly in surrender of self to God. At the end of this day, thank God for it,and surrender to the turning of the page. Tomorrow wake up to April 23, 2010, and begin again…If the Lord will, we will have tomorrow, but for now we only have today.

I am glad my computer is breathing again…and I am glad that today I have breath to praise Him. ” It is fitting for the upright to praise Him.” Psa 33, my personal memory verse for the week.

Thursday Treasures Await You.

Living in Him,

Debbie

Remember, I have a contest this week…free book and scripture bracelet for the name I draw. Drawing based on all commenters or anyone who sends me a hello from being on the website.