As a follower of Jesus, what are you living for?

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Bible Teacher & Expositor. Paul teaches, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). My question is what are you living for? Your answer to that question will determine the direction of your life. If your purpose is wrong, your direction will be wrong. If your purpose is vague or fuzzy, your direction will be fuzzy. If you don’t know your purpose, you’ll just be swept along by the currents of this world, doing what seems to bring you satisfaction. It is crucial that you be clear and correct in answering the question, “What are you living for?” The correct answer to that question must include some thought about the fact of death and what lies beyond. It must also include the consideration of the uncertainty of life, so that whenever death may come, it doesn’t prevent you from accomplishing your purpose. The Apostle Paul was clear and focused on his purpose for living. The purpose for which Paul lived is the only purpose that takes eternity into account, so whenever death happens, that purpose will be fulfilled. These words express Paul’s perspective that his life and future (whether living or dying) are centered on his faith in Christ, with death being a positive outcome as it leads to being with Him. This man is not afraid of dying, but rather sees it as a way to be closer to Christ and escape the hardships of earthly life. When Paul says living is Christ, he’s identifying his life with Christ’s presence, love, and power. He understands that his purpose and motivation in life are to glorify Jesus through his actions and words. He then says, “to die is gain.” In other words, for Paul, death is not a loss but a transition to being conformed to the image of Jesus (see Romans 8:28-30). Paul knew that life on this earth meant to live for Christ, but death would be gain because he would be in the presence of the Lord. Paul clearly states his expectation to be with Christ the moment his life on earth ends. This is a view also reflected by Jesus when He told the thief on the cross he would be in paradise with Him “today” (Luke 23:43). Be encouraged!