A Truly “Win-Win” Situation

I think all of us are familiar with the phrase, “a win-win situation”.  The phrase is used to describe a circumstance or a solution where two people or two groups of people are able to reach a compromise or be involved in a circumstance where both individuals or groups, “win”.  They both get what they want or they get what is best for them.  The apostle Paul describes the ultimate “win-win” situation in verse 21 of chapter 1:  “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  The sentence is so glib on the surface that it is easy to skip over it so maybe you should read it again.  “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”.  This is a “win-win situation”.  Paul was no stranger to the threat of death.  It seems that he lived on the edge of leaving this life many days of his earthly life.  He seems to have come to a place where he recognizes that if he is allowed to remain on earth, allowed to live, the life he has will be lived out in service to Jesus. That’s a “win”.  On the other hand, if he dies, he gains eternal life…that’s a “win”.  To live is Christ and to die is gain.  I don’t believe this is a natural way of looking at life but rather a supernatural way of looking at life.  For the believer there is no fear of death.  The Holy Spirit takes away our fear of death and replaces it with an assurance of eternal life.  I don’t think Paul was a “robot” who had no emotions nor any connections to this life. His letters reveal the exact opposite. His letters reveal someone with deep personal connections to people in this life.  However, he was willing to place his life in God’s hands.

Few of us need consider the loss of life for following Jesus.  But we may need to consider the loss of a friendship or a job opportunity.  We may need to consider being laughed at or scorned.  Are you willing to do that?  Are you willing to “win” in this life by following Christ no matter what happens? Following Jesus Christ is literally the greatest “win-win situation” that is available to you.  I know that I like to win.  I hope you do as well.  Jesus gives you the ability to do so.

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