"To live is Christ, to die is gain."

 

[Written Saturday, Dec 18th 2010] 

It’s so easy to get so busy living out this day-to-day life around us, that we tend to forget how something much better awaits us beyond this.

These thoughts come about from news of tragedy this week. A very dear young man that has proven to love the Lord with all his heart, has gone on home to be with Him in Heaven.

Wow, what gain for him. No more toil and labor of this life. No more occasions of grief and anxieties that go with living in this world. Yet,

To the dear family and friends left to go on here without him, we pour out our heart prayers unto God.

Our minds just simply cannot get around such an event of our loved ones leaving, in what seems to be way ahead of schedule. But why? We just have to ask, and yet our understanding seems to stay unfruitful.

The Christian is always “living,” either here or with Him in “gain.” When those times come, and our eyes are washed with tears and our hearts torn from within, we must draw nigh. There is no other place of refuge, no other “haven of rest.” His grace is still sufficient, even though I must cry my heart out today.

He has promised never to leave nor forsake, even while we live in a fallen world. Our attachments to this life are fleeting. What do we really carry with us when we go? Our relationships.

If we’re in Christ, we’re in a relationship of “kindred spirits” with one another. He’s our Savior and Lord, and we become “joint-heirs.” Wow! What a fellowship! What a joy, divine!

In this post, I wish to remind us all in this beautiful Christmas Season to remember those whose time will be marred with great grief. Yes, our God is big enough to help in a time of need.

May we value each day, wherever we spend it. May we redeem the time.

Scripture References:

Philippians 1:21-24, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

Colossians 4:5 “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

God Bless You,


Julie