“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”
—Philippians 1:20–21 NLT
Each of us has something that drives us, a purpose that shapes our days and defines our choices. What is it that you live for? If you were to complete the statement, “For to me, living means living for _______,” what would you say? For Cliff to live is to have professional success, for Cliff to live is to have fun and party, for Cliff to live is to have wealth, for Cliff to live is to get recognition, for Cliff to live is to have as many relationships and “likes” as possible, for Cliff to live is to have personal fulfillment, for Cliff to live is to learn as much as possible, for Cliff to live is to make a difference in the world. I’m not saying any of those are what I live for, maybe they are, maybe not. Whatever it is, we all have something that anchors our lives, something we pour our energy into. Some are very commendable, some…not so much, that’s up to you and your conscience, circle of friends, and acquaintances to figure out.
In the word of God, (remember that thing we as christians are supposed to read and believe) and for the apostle Paul, the answer was unequivocal: “For to me, living means living for Christ.” This wasn’t a passing sentiment or a religious platitude—it was the heartbeat of his existence. Every decision, every sacrifice, every moment of courage stemmed from his devotion to Christ. But Paul went further, adding, “and dying is even better.” That’s a bold claim, in fact it seems almost insane, one that only makes sense when you understand the hope at the core of his faith. Because Jesus rose from the dead, Paul could face life and death with unshakable confidence, declaring, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55 NLT).
The Search for Purpose
In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, the question of purpose is more pressing than ever. We are constantly bombarded with messages telling us to chase wealth, status, or personal happiness. Society often measures a person’s worth by achievements— career, bank account, or influence. Yet, as many discover, these pursuits often leave us wanting. They promise fulfillment but deliver only fleeting satisfaction.
I have quoted this a lot lately, but I like it from C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” Lewis reminds us that our deepest longings—those desires for meaning, connection, and permanence—point beyond the temporary. They point to God. When we live for anything less than Christ, we’re settling for a shadow of the life we were created for.
Paul’s purpose wasn’t rooted in the fleeting rewards of this world. He lived for Christ, and that gave his life a clarity and resilience that nothing else could. Living for Christ meant proclaiming the gospel, loving others sacrificially, and trusting God’s plan even in the face of suffering. It meant finding joy in beatings and prisons, peace in persecution, and hope in the face of death. For Paul, Christ wasn’t just a part of his life—He was the center.
What does it mean to live for Christ today, as a mature man navigating the complexities of modern life? I can tell what it is not, It’s not about grand gestures or religious performance. It is about a quiet, steadfast commitment to let Christ shape every aspect of your life—your work, your relationships, your choices. It is about integrity when no one is watching, compassion when it is inconvenient, and courage when the world pressures you to conform.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who lived out his faith under the shadow of Nazi oppression, wrote in The Cost of Discipleship: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” That is a vividly strong statement, not one you would hear in many modern American churches. Bonhoeffer was not speaking of physical death (but of dying to self—surrendering pride, ambition, and the need for control. Living for Christ means letting go of the world’s metrics of success and embracing Gods. For me or you it may mean leading your family with humility, serving your community with generosity, and standing firm in your convictions even when it’s unpopular.
Practically, this might look like:
- Prioritizing prayer and Scripture. Make time to seek God daily, not as a ritual but as a lifeline. Let His Word guide your decisions and steady your heart.
- Serving others selflessly. Whether it’s mentoring a younger colleague, volunteering in your church, or simply listening to a friend in need, and not just Christian friends. We should live out Christ’s love in tangible ways.
- Embracing stewardship. Use your resources—time, money, talents—to honor God, recognizing that everything you have is His, not yours…you were bought with a price when you became a Christian.
- Living with eternity in view. Make choices that reflect the reality of heaven, knowing that this life is not the end.
Paul’s declaration that “dying is even better” is not morbid—but it is liberating. For those who live for Christ, death is not a defeat but a doorway. Jesus’ resurrection shattered the power of death, securing an eternal future for those who trust in Him. As Paul wrote, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better” because death ushers us into the presence of the One we have lived for.
Augustine of Hippo, reflecting on the human condition, wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Augustine understood that our ultimate home is with God. This life, with all its joys and struggles, is temporary. For the Christian, death is the moment when restlessness gives way to rest, when faith becomes sight.
This hope should transform how we live. When looked at with the proper perspective, it frees us from the fear of loss, the pressure to “have it all,” and the anxiety of an uncertain future. It gives us the courage to live boldly for Christ, knowing that whether we live or die, our life is secure in Him.
So, what do you live for? If you’re honest, what fills the blank in “For to me, living means living for _______”? Is it Christ, or is it something else that’s taken His place? If it’s not Christ, consider what’s holding you back. The things of this world—success, comfort, recognition—are not bad in themselves, but they were never meant to be your purpose. They can’t bear the weight of your soul.
Living for Christ isn’t always easy, but it’s the only life that delivers what it promises. It’s a life of purpose that outlasts this world; a life anchored in the One who defeated death. As Søren Kierkegaard put it, “The thing is to understand myself, to see what God really wishes me to do; the thing is to find a truth which is true for me, to find the idea for which I can live and die.” For Paul, that truth was Christ. What about you Cliff? What about you Reader?