“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

The pride of life, the lust of the eyes, and the lust of the flesh are gateways to the enemy (1 John 2:16). Every conflict, depression, heartache, and pain often begins with these desires. When we want and do not have, when we desire and do not receive, hatred, malice, murder, deceit, slander, and all kinds of evil can take root (James 4:1–2). And after these comes death. Scripture puts it clearly: “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).

Brethren, Satan knows human nature well. He knows our attachment to the things of this world and to ourselves. That is why he asked God for permission to afflict Job, saying, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life” (Job 2:4).

Yet in every circumstance, Job did not curse God. When he lost his possessions and his children, he acknowledged the sovereignty of God and said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21) . Peter and John rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:40–41); Stephen prayed for those who stoned him to death (Acts 7:59–60). The Lord Jesus, prayed for those who persecuted him (Luke 23:34).

That is why Jesus said, “He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal” (John 12:25). He also said, “He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).

Brothers and sisters, our lives are not our own. Let us live by the spirit and allow him to live in us. Like Paul, let us confidently say, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21). Let us walk the walk of faith, blinded to the things of this world.