Ready to Depart

For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ for that is far better. Philippians 1:21-23

My grandmother, Moma T, was ready to depart. In fact, when she awoke from a stroke, she asked, “Why am I still here? Why didn’t He take me to glory?” Moma T had lived a life of “fruitful labor” and seen her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren come to know her faithful Savior. Her body was worn and tired, and she was impatient with the delay keeping her from being with Him. When she did depart a few weeks later, it was a comfort for all of us to know she knew she would be with Christ–which was far better.

A Proper Understanding of Death

Paul also had a proper understanding of death.  This can be challenging for us to understand. We are earth-bound, somewhat selfish creatures who are focused on our own survival.  Death is portrayed as the worst outcome, the final end, the last resort.

Paul didn’t feel that way. He tells the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:24, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Paul’s only interest in being alive was in furthering the Kingdom.

As Paul was leaving to go to Jerusalem–a journey which a prophet had foretold would end in Paul’s arrest, Paul asks the weeping crowd, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus?” (Acts 21:13) Paul knew whatever the outcome of his trip, God would be glorified.

Paul instructed the Romans in verse 14:8, “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” Paul was unconcerned about his future as it related to his own safety and security.  He knew God’s will could not be circumvented.

Completely Christ’s

When I encountered statements like these from Paul as a young adult, I kind of thought, “Well, good for you, Paul.  We know you’re super holy, but we can’t all be that way.  Besides, it’s easier for you to be like that.  You didn’t have my dreams or hopes for the future or have a paper due next week.”

What I didn’t understand was that Paul’s focus was so different from mine.  Even though I was a Christ-follower, I was still distracted by earthly things. Paul was completely Christ’s. He was totally sold out to the Lord regardless of the situation.  If he was alive, great!  He still had more opportunities to serve. If he was dead, great! It was better to be with Christ anyway.

A Place of Peace

Paul could be in this place of peace about his death because he knew God would triumph. Accomplishing God’s purposes on earth didn’t depend on Paul–they have always and will only depend on God. Paul knew that he was–and that we are–just part of the story God is writing. Regardless of what happens to us, God will be victorious.

What keeps us from having this same understanding of death as Paul? What keeps us from being completely Christ’s? We’re so wrapped up in earthly security that we can’t rest in God’s security.  We think the outcomes depend on us instead of realizing God is always in control.

How can you better walk this double life of being completely Christ’s but living here on earth?