I desire to depart and be with Christ
Philippians 1:23b

Paul’s writes that his desire is to depart this world and be with Christ…and he writes in the present tense without qualification.

How many of us can honestly make that same statement?  My conclusion: very few.

*  Was Paul delusional?
*  Was he insinuating about the notion of taking his life?
*  Or, was the motivation behind his statement one that defined greater intention?

Examining the context of Paul’s statement one sees a greater life purpose being defined in his words and motivation…

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
Philippians 1:21-26

Convinced that he will remain, Paul’s purpose was to urge his readers to continue progressing in their faith, with the manifestation and JOY of Jesus overflowing in their lives.

How does our desire mirror that of Paul’s, which is to depart and be with Christ, yet, since we remain on this earth, to completely understand why we’re here and live with and on purpose?

The secret is found another statement written by Paul…the secret of denying our own agenda and pursuing God’s.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2.20

I don’t hear too many people often talking about “being crucified with Christ” or their desire to “depart and be with Christ”…even within the ranks of those who call themselves Christians.  We’re often times consumed with the pursuit of our own agenda and the fulfillment of our own lusts in this world.  However challenging the theology, we’re called to be set apart and desire that which God desires…and to pursue that which is completely contrary to this world.

We are emphatically learning these lessons on Irene’s Journey of Faith.

  To live is Christ, to die is gain
Philippians 1:21

I desire to depart and be with Christ
Philippians 1:23b

Caminando con Fé
Dave