“Dying — Well, That's Better Yet!”
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesAs human beings, death is not some subject we relish talking about. However, as Paul faced imprisonment and the prospect of dying in a jail cell, he shared a great perspective regarding life and death:
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
There’s no question that death is our enemy (1 Corinthians 15:25-28), but it does not possess the finality that so many dread. There is something better waiting for Christians beyond this life.
To illustrate, someone has said, “What the caterpillar thinks is the end of life, the butterfly thinks is just the beginning.” One preacher was heard to say, “Death is like closing a door to one room and opening a door into another room.”
I like the paraphrase of Philippians 1:21 found in The Living Bible:
“To me, living means opportunities for Christ, and dying — well, that’s better yet!“
During our physical life, we have many opportunities to serve Jesus. But one day, we will actually be in His presence (John 14:3; 1 John 3:2). Our fear will then vanish away when we see Him face to face.
That’s the “better yet” the apostle Paul is talking about (Philippians 1:23).
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