To Die Is Gain - What if it means more than Leaving this world?

 

To Die Is Gain — A Reflection

on Letting Go and Growing Up in Christ

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

— Philippians 1:21

This verse from the Apostle Paul is often read in the context of physical death and the hope of being united with Christ in eternity. But there’s also a profound lesson here for our everyday lives. What if “to die” means more than leaving this world? What if it also means laying down the parts of ourselves that no longer serve God’s purpose—our harmful habits, our sharp tongues, our stubborn pride?

In the quiet of reflection, I think about the times I’ve had to “die” to old ways of thinking and behaving. One example comes to mind—Georgia, a friend whose quiet bitterness was eating away at her peace. She held on tightly to every little offense, replaying past wrongs and avoiding those who hurt her. It felt justified… until it didn’t.

One morning, in the gentle conviction of prayer, she realized that holding on was only hurting herself. With courage and grace, she decided to let go. She “died” to bitterness by choosing forgiveness, by releasing the offense into God’s hands. That choice, repeated daily, slowly transformed her.

What did she gain?
A freer heart. A lighter spirit. A deeper joy in her relationships.
A new reflection of Christ within her.

When we cast off the old and painful layers of our character, we don’t lose ourselves—we gain something far better.
We gain peace. We gain clarity.
We gain Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

So today, what needs to die in you? Pride? Envy? Resentment?
And what could you gain if you let it go?

Let us remember:

To live is Christ—and to die, even to our old selves, is gain.

Faith in Action: Navigating Life's Challenges with Spiritual Resilience

Faith in Action: Navigating Life's Challenges

 with Spiritual Resilience"

In journey of life, we all encounter challenges and the tension between "faith" and "real life." It is within this tension that our faith is truly "reflected." This reflection is where our faith begins to take root and becomes a living, active faith, not merely an intellectual understanding.

 

This process is where faith grows, matures, and enters new stages, each preparing us for the next challenge or learning experience. Faith that does not involve struggle and reflection becomes stagnant or regressive. Such faith is merely "followed or borrowed" from others, rather than a personal, deeply-held belief. It does not follow and root in the footsteps of Christ.

 

While facing these challenges and struggles, we might become overly "immersed in the world" or too "reluctant to engage with the world." However, the Lord allows us to navigate these extremes, recognizing that only through this struggle can we discover the true path and dawn of Christian life. It is this journey that sets the Christian life apart from the lives of others.



My prayer:

Dear Lord,

Help me to reflect on the relationship between faith and real life, revealing the profound truths of the Christian journey. I understand that this struggle is essential for my growth, transforming my knowledge of faith into an active and personal faith. Strengthen me to balance living out true faith in my everyday life. In Your grace, I pray.

Amen.

Gratitude in Redeeming One's Life

 

Gratitude in Redeeming One's Life

In the pursuit of redeeming one's life and achieving progress on a meaningful journey, there is a profound truth that cannot be overlooked - the significance of gratitude. Gratitude stands resolute as an essential aspect when forging a connection with the divine forces that shape our existence. It serves as a beacon of light, illuminating the path to personal growth and fulfillment. It takes effort to embrace gratitude, but with the guidance of a higher power, it becomes an invaluable tool for reclaiming time and preserving life's essence.

The act of being thankful goes beyond polite acknowledgment; it is a mindset of humility, contentment, and mindfulness toward life's blessings. By focusing on the present moment and appreciating the blessings it holds, gratitude opens doors for transformative experiences. Instead of dwelling on regrets from the past or worries about the future, we can appreciate what we have now.

The journey of redeeming one's life is not without challenges, and it is in these moments that the power of gratitude truly shines. Embracing gratitude during difficult times cultivates resilience and fortitude, offering solace and a sense of purpose during moments of uncertainty. This is where the guidance of a higher power becomes essential. Surrendering to the divine presence provides the strength and assurance that we are not alone in our struggles and that every step, no matter how challenging, has a purpose.

What is Gratitude and Four ways to practice:

https://youtu.be/hABaXMcpLWI?si=oEnU0_7oJ5xcekIW