“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. i. 21).
The secret of a sound body is a sound heart, and the prayer of the Holy
Ghost for us is, that we “may be in health and prosper even as our soul
prospers.”
We find Paul in the Epistles to the Philippians expressing a sublime and
holy indifference to the question of life or death. Indeed he is in a real
strait, whether he would prefer “to depart and be with Christ,” or to
remain still in the flesh.
The former would indeed be his sweetest preference, but the latter would
be at the same time a joyful service. His only object in wanting to live
is to be a blessing. “To abide in the flesh is more needful to you.”
Having reached this state of heart, it is beautiful to notice how quickly
he rises to the victorious faith necessary to claim perfect strength and
health. Because it is more needful to you that I abide in the flesh, he
adds, “I know that I shall continue with you all, for your furtherance and
joy of faith.” Lord, help me to-day to “count not my life dear unto myself
that I may finish my course with joy and the ministry that I have received
of Jesus.”