I was reading an article about George Floyd in Christianity Today last week. It talked about how he was a presence in his community in Houston and worked with several churches to reach the needy. He was in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a job and discipleship program that was training him to be a minister. It is tragic what happened to him, and how the cops treated him was reprehensible. One thing I am sure about is that God is going to use the life of George Floyd to bring people to Jesus. He did not die in vain.
Philippians 1:21
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
To Live is to Live for Christ
Paul’s famous words were written as he sat in prison in Rome, waiting for his time before Caesar. He knew that if he was going to continue to live, it was going to be completely for Christ, and if he died, he would gain so much more. He didn’t consider his life here on earth as too valuable to lose. He wanted to be in the presence of Jesus, but if he had to stay, he would tell everyone the gospel. It didn’t matter to Paul, which one happened.
To Die is Gain
How do you look at your life? Do you seek to preserve it at all costs, or do you lay it down so that God can use it for His glory? If we live in fear of every danger, we will miss out on what God has for us. Our days are numbered, and we are not in control of when they are up. God will use us as he sees fit. When we get in line with God’s plan, it doesn’t necessarily get easier, but life does get better.
He Did Not Die in Vain
Paul knew that real joy and peace came from him getting in line with what God wanted to do. The same is true for you as well. When you submit your heart to him, you find that this joy will spring forth from it. When you understand that your life is not your own and that God has your best interests in mind, you can go forward in peace, knowing that you are in His hands.