Living
Paul sets the standard very, very high
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For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.
Philippians 1:21 (NET)
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Such a short verse that carries so much weight.
Paul endured great hardships throughout his ministry work. Beatings, arrests, insults, shipwrecks, he almost died a few times, etc. Yet he has this eternal perspective that he shares with the Philippian church.
I’m not there yet.
In many ways I don’t understand how Paul could endure so many trials and be so content.
Of course the working of the Holy Spirit did great things for him. I’m sure that as long as I stick close to God I can endure the trials I face — perhaps with some similar measure of contentment (I hope).
Don’t get me wrong, I believe this verse to be true.
I have faith that it is.
I just don’t think I could say with great conviction that I’m completely in line with Paul here.
In other words, God’s still working on me.
That’s okay. God’s grace is sufficient even for my weaknesses.
I know that the transformational work of the Spirit continues. And it’s especially powerful if I participate in the work by building my relationship with Christ.
To do that, I need to spend more time with Him.
Reading His Word.
Prayer.
Spending time with the Body (i.e., the Church).
Obeying His commands.
Simple inputs that drive the ideal outcome.
As long as I’m doing these things every day — building on a foundation of love (not obligation) — I know that I’ll be making progress.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
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Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.