For to me, to live is Christ,

.... and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). Paul had just expressed his earnest expectation and hope that in nothing “I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (verse 20). His expectation and hope were based on the prayers of the Philippians and “the supply of the Spirit” (verse 19). He was in jail for his faith and,  by these words,  not at all sure it would not lead to  martyrdom. So he was wanting and needing to be bold,  so that the whatever happened it would reflect well on his Lord (magnifying Christ in his body), and so in no way he would not be ashamed! If he were to live,  his life would be all about Christ. And if he were to die, that would be gain, even better. For Paul,  death is a new and better stage in his relationship with Christ.  Nevertheless ....

Holding that thought for a moment, you can have a healthy death wish, as here with Paul, or you can have an unhealthy death wish. Let's be very clear Paul is not suicidal.  And let's say up front, that the Christian has no need to fear death, for we have been released from it (Hebrews 2:15).  Paul could say that he would be well pleased to be absent from the body,  because it meant being present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Paul had had a vision of heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2). And with the stories we hear from those who have died and gone to heaven, he was homesick  (Google 'Ian McCormack box jellyfish'). We may not have had these experiences, but we can trust and believe and tap into what this cloud of witness is telling us (Hebrews 12:1).

Coming back to my “nevertheless,” nevertheless for Paul to live is Christ.  We don't all have to be apostles, we don't all have to be pastors, but we are all intended to be servants, living for Christ. And when we are living for Christ, what it means is fruit for the Kingdom (verse 22).  If you think about it, if our place in heaven is sure, why would He not simply take us home when we got saved? I am convinced that He intends that our lives be witnesses to His Glory, in all the various ways that witness is possible.  Sometimes this will be with words, and sometimes without words “that they may see your good works and glorify God” (Matthew 5:16). Sometimes it is simply the way we deal with our suffering. In any case,  we need to live lives so that  “whether by life or by death, Christ will be magnified in our bodies.”

Father, we need Your help, Your grace to live in a way that glorifies You, and we need help to die in a way that glorifies you.  I have heard it said that the last task is to grow old gracefully. In all these things  we need You help Holy Spirit, and with Paul, we need the prayers and help of the community (verse 19). With You Lord all things are possible, and since we are speaking of death, help us Lord by Your Spirit,  to put to death those things in us that hinder our being able to tap into Your help.  And we will give You thanks and praise in Jesus Name Amen