A “life-verse” … do you have one? I do. In fact I have several I have chosen – not a lot of them, probably less than five special verses of Scripture that really have resonated with me and express key aspects of my values as a Christian and my sense of mission. If you haven’t chosen a personal “life-verse” I’d like to urge you to be on the lookout for one (or several) that you believe express your core values or sense of mission as a Christ-follower.
This morning during my Bible reading during “coffee with the Lord” I believe I came across one that I believe Apostle Paul probably would have claimed as one of his “life-verses!” Perhaps you’d want to consider it as a “life-verse” choice for your life… It’s Philippians 1:20-21
You’ve got to capture the context though… Paul has been imprisoned for the sake of the gospel, chained to two Roman soldiers. He really isn’t certain whether the outcome will be life or death. He is also writing to believers of the church he planted in Philippi who are puzzled by what Paul is facing and the great challenges within their own congregation and in the broader culture. So he writes to them to inform them about his circumstances and encourage them in their situation. In light of all of that he makes this declaration (which, incidentally qualifies as a great “life-verse!”)…
“It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed! But that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death! For me, to live is Christ – to die is gain!”
What a declaration – what a commitment – what perspective! I want to live that way… Never ashamed! Courageously facing whatever life brings with the determination that Christ will always be honored regardless – in life or death! Christ the focus – Christ the purpose! Think about it… You may want to chose it as YOUR “life-verse!” It’s one of mine!
Coffee With The Lord 