For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (Philippians 1:21-30, NRSV)
Paul here is telling the Philippians that he knows that they need him, but if it was up to him, he would chose to be with Christ.
You see as humans death is something we can not escape. The death of our fleshly body will happen. But it is not the end, nor is it the beginning of anything. It is but a step in the whole master plan. You see we are with Christ as His brothers and sisters, He is always with us. He is walking with us through the valleys, and the mountain tops. He is living in that God shaped hole in our hearts where He resides.
So while we are here, in both kingdoms, we need to walk as if death has no hold on us, for we know that death is gain, and we are to show forth the glory of His love which has bridged the gap for us.
This world will not win for we have the victor living in us, so the victory is already ours! Death is not the end!
aSacredRebel 