To live or not to live Phil 1:19-26

Phil 1:19-26

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

Most times we think it is an amazing thing if someone is willing to die for someone else. Even Christ said that greater love has no one than to lay his life down for them. This is true. However, in this situation, Paul's love is shown in his willingness to live. His life is not about himself. His passion is to glorify God (v 20) whether by life or death...in living, glorifying God means living for God by living for others. His passion by the way, to spread the Gospel does not end at the "point of salvation", he longs to see these people grow in faith and joy in Christ. This is what brings glory to God. Father, I pray that you would give me a passion to see others grow in faith and joy in Christ. May I be willing to live for that...I wonder if the only way we can truly live like that is if we see death as gain?