Life or Death

Philippians 1:19-21 (New International Reader's Version)

¹⁹ I know that you are praying for me. I also know that the Spirit of Jesus Christ will help me. So no matter what happens, I'm sure I will still be saved. ²⁰ I completely expect and hope that I won't be ashamed in any way. I'm sure I will be brave enough. Now as always Christ will be lifted high through my body. He will be lifted up whether I live or die. ²¹ For me, life finds all of its meaning in Christ. Death also has its benefits.

So, we read this verse today in church and it got me thinking about some personal situations, but also got me thinking about a quote I once read from Rachel's Tears, the story of Rachel Joy Scott who died in Columbine -

"I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus, I am not going to justify my faith to them, and I am not going to hide the light that God has put in me. If I have to sacrifice everything... I will."

- Rachel Scott

If we truly love God, have Him in our hearts, believe in His every word, trust Him, know Him, have faith in Him, truly, 100%, then we too should be able to make the stand, just as these measly 2 people have. We should be able to stand in front of a crowd of vultures, ready to devour us, and proclaim that WE have the Lord's love and protection. That no matter WHAT happens to us, through life or death, we stand for Him.

But sometimes, it's so hard. Our Pastor today mentioned that sometimes we don't want Jesus to come, simply because we're comfortable. Ugh, how sad is that? I surely don't want to be the one saying "oh nah, come another day Lord, today I'm busy!" That just makes me cringe, because why would I, amongst this world of pain and suffering, (even if I DO want to live to see my kids get married and have grandchildren desperately) tell Him to wait? Life will be so much more rewarding in Heaven, surely I can give up these tiny little events of this worldly life if it means I get to see my Savior! Right? That should be our goal, to see His face...not to idolize over these other things. Sometimes I get so distracted with wanting these other things, that I lose sight of my real desire - to be with Him for eternity. So my goal is to find ways, everyday, to keep focused.

I pray that I would also, like Paul and Rachel, have the courage to make the stand!