Live Your Life

Paul’s words in Philippians 1:19-30 are extraordinary given the circumstances from which he writes.  He is in prison, not knowing if he will ever be released, and thinking about his possible impending death at the hands of the Roman authorities.  What is extraordinary is that he can write with such peace and freedom despite these circumstances.  Already from 1:19 it is clear that Paul has made peace with the fact that “what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.”  This peace brings with it the freedom that “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (1:21).  Even though he is “torn between the two” (1:23), he accepts that deliverance by God encompasses life and death.  Therefore he can illustrate this boldness of a “whatever happens…” in 1:27, and come to the conclusion, “conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”  This can literally be translated with “live your life” in a way that will honor Christ regardless of your circumstances.  We can sometimes get preoccupied with what we want from life and miss the opportunities that God gives us every day.  Live your life fully today!

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