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Philippians 1:21 - The Secret of Living.

Philippians 1:21 (NLT) For to me, living 
means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 
 

Philippians 1:21 (Phillips) For living to me 
means simply Christ, and if I die I should 
merely gain more of him.  

Philippians 1:21 (MSG) Alive, I'm Christ's 
messenger; dead, I'm his bounty. Life versus even more 
life! I can't lose.  

COMMENTARY PEARL

   When money is our objective for 
happiness, we must live in fear of losing it, which 
makes us paranoid and suspicious. When fame is our 
aim, we become competitive lest others upstage 
us, which makes us envious. When power and 
influence drive us, we become self-serving and 
strong-willed, which makes us arrogant. And when 
possessions become our god, we become materialistic, 
thinking enough is never enough, which makes us 
greedy. All these pursuits fly in the face of 
contentment and joy. 
   Only Christ can satisfy, whether we have 
or don't have, whether we are known or unknown, 
whether we live or die. And the good news is this: 
Death only sweetens the pie! That alone is enough 
to make you laugh again. 
   The Living Bible states: "For to me, 
living means opportunities for Christ, and dying - 
well, that's better yet!" (Phil. 1:21). The New 
Testament in Modern English, J.B. Phillips's 
paraphrase, reads: "For living to me means simply 
'Christ,' and if I die I should merely gain more of 
him." 
   What is the sum and substance of all 
this? The secret of living is the same as the 
secret of joy: Both revolve around the centrality 
of Jesus Christ. In other words, the pursuit of 
happiness is the cultivation of a Christ-centered, 
Christ-controlled life. 
   When Christ becomes our central focus, 
contentment replaces our anxiety as well as our fears 
and insecurities. [Chuck Swindoll 
www.insight.org.] 

TESTIMONY

   There is a statement I have repeated 
again and again through the years: I would 
rather be in this wheelchair knowing Jesus than on 
my feet without Him. Its still true. The 
joy, hope, and peace I experience - not in spite 
of but because of my disability - is so much 
more fulfilling and satisfying than having feet 
that walk and run, and hands that hold, touch, 
and feel. The apostle Paul really sums it up for 
me: For of Him and through Him and to Him are 
all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen 
(Romans 11:36, NKJV). 
   My friend, all things - even walking or 
not walking - find their end in Christ. To be 
with Him in life is everything. Id rather be 
in the storm with Christ, than in calm waters 
alone. As Paul said in todays Scripture, For 
to me, to live is Christ. I wouldnt trade 
what I have in Him for any other situation.  
   Lord Jesus, it hasnt been an easy 
life. At times I could have said with the apostle 
Paul, We were under great pressure, far beyond 
our ability to endure, so that we despaired of 
life itself (2 Corinthians 1:8). This is true, 
but even so, nothing, NOTHING compares to having 
You, the Son of God, as my Companion, Savior, 
Helper, and Friend. [A Spectacle Of Glory By Joni 
Eareckson Tada And Larry Libby] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

"Life is what we are alive to," wrote 
Maltbie Babcock. Sports fans may be weary, but if 
they hear of an athletic event taking place, they 
come alive and want to attend. Hungry people are 
alive to the mention of food, and avid shoppers 
come alive at the announcement of a sale. So 
Christians are alive to all pertaining to Jesus Christ, 
for Christ is their very life. [Chapter by 
Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE


http://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20080829-1525.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs