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.

Love Finds Its Way

 Love Finds Its Way

She was eighty-five — a gentle, dignified lady who drove her old car faithfully to church every Sunday. Rain or shine, she made the 20-mile trip alone, her heart anchored in faith and fellowship. But when the time came that she could no longer drive, she quietly booked a taxi each week, determined not to miss a single service.

The taxi driver was a man about seventy-eight, a quiet soul with kind eyes. At first, it was just another ride. But as the Sundays passed, he began to notice the grace in her spirit, the joy in her simple words, and the quiet strength in her laughter. She, too, noticed his gentle heart — a man who treated her with care, never as a mere passenger, but as someone who mattered.

Could I join you for a cup of tea?

One Sunday, after service, he asked if he could join her for tea. She smiled and said yes. One tea turned into many. Conversations grew deeper. Somewhere along those miles and moments, love quietly found its way between them.

Against all odds — against age, against expectations — they married. And theirs was not a story of youthful passion, but of steady companionship, mutual respect, and tender care. They built a life of simple joys: shared breakfasts, evening walks, holding hands in quiet prayers. They became living proof that love isn’t bound by age, and that God’s timing writes the most beautiful stories.

A lifetime of love: Senior couples renew vows in Virginia Beach

Their story reminds me of Proverbs 19:21 — “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Indeed, love sometimes arrives when we least expect it… in a taxi ride, on an ordinary Sunday, in the quiet heart of two souls ready for a new chapter.

Gratitude in the Midst of Trials

Giving thanks during difficulties can feel counterintuitive, yet it is a profound act of faith. Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” Gratitude during trials doesn’t mean denying pain; it means trusting God’s plan. Reflect on how challenges have strengthened your character, deepened your faith, or drawn you closer to God. By thanking Him in the storm, you demonstrate trust in His goodness and sovereignty. Gratitude in adversity is a declaration of hope, reminding us that God is always at work, bringing beauty from ashes.

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.