Focus: The Reason I Live

Text: Phil.1:21

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Paul is saying in essence, 'Christ is the essence of my existence. My life amounts to nothing without Christ. My life totally revolves around Jesus Christ. He's my life's center and circumference. Outside of Him nothing else matters. He defines my life's purpose and gives it meaning.'

The Message Bible translates, "Alive, I'm Christ's messenger; dead, I'm his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can't lose." Paul is utterly dedicated to Christ. His entire life is a libation poured out to his God through Christ. He was totally sold out to God. Every part of his being was owned by God and mastered by the Spirit of Christ. He ate and drank Christ, and lived by the dictates of Jesus Christ.

Paul declares, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God" (Act.20:24). Again he says, "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ" (Phil.3:8). Paul's devotion to Christ and his passion for Him was incredible. His life meant nothing to him as far as Christ was concerned, and for Christ's sake he suffered the loss of all things. Christ was all that he had. For him, it is not Christ plus anything else; no, not at all! Christ was his everything. For him, Christ was either the Lord of all, or he was not Lord at all. As far as his commitment to Christ was concerned Paul did not play to the gallery.

Christ was his life, his peace, his pride, his hope and crown of glory.

As a believer in Christ, being alive means living for Christ. It is a wonderful opportunity to serve God and do His will. Let our hearts beat for Christ and overflow with His love. Let the glory of Christ be the goal or aim of our lives. May we not in all we do or say come short of the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Like Paul did, make Christ the reason for your existence, and let His passion be the force that drives all your aspirations and actions!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter