“but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” - Philippians 1:24
We live in a world obsessed with driving us to focus on ourselves, but God’s plan has always been for us to focus on someone other than ourselves. One major reason that a follower of Christ is still alive on earth is because God wants to use their life to draw at least one other person to salvation in Him. Yes, we have our dreams and aspirations, but God dreams that we aspire to be individuals who attract people to Him. Yes, we have goals and plans, but God plans to use His followers to accomplish His goal of eternally saving lives. Yes, we have but one life to live, but God wants to show others the one life we live is the life they need so they can truly live.
Paul’s words here are insightful and challenging as he acknowledges he cannot yet receive his ultimate prize (eternally living with Jesus Christ) because he must rally more people to salvation in Jesus Christ (temporarily living for someone else). Accepting that the achievement of what you desire depends on someone else’s position or progress is a tough pill to swallow…but we can do so when we know God’s heart and trust His hand.
Who is God keeping you alive for? What person will only come in contact with Jesus Christ because they know you? What individual will mature and grow in their faith because of their relationship with you? Know that you and I will remain until the necessity of our lives on earth is outweighed by God’s want of our presence in heaven.
Prayer Points
When you pray, ask God to help you remember that He wants to use your life to draw people to Him. Your life is valuable within God’s plan!
When you pray, think about someone God may want to save through you. Be intentional in praying for this person and engaging them when you cross paths.