To Live is _________

So many things have led me to this moment. Tiredness. Studying about being “yoked” with Jesus, reading the gospels as I’ve watched The Chosen—and especially watching Jesus’ pace. But last night, I watched Dr. James Merritt on “Joy Ride” and he quoted Paul in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul was saying because he lived for Christ alone here on earth, departing to heaven was only a benefit—he’d have a face-to-face walk with Jesus there.  

Dr. Merritt asked us to fill in that blank for ourselves.  He asked us to answer this:  “For to me, to live is _________.  What do we live for? What do I live for? All we have to do is look at our calendar and our bank account to know the truth. I got honest. My blank said “family.” Don’t get me wrong—I love Jesus. I try to obey him. But I haven’t stayed yoked to him. I haven’t gone at his pace. Jesus hasn’t been my sole focus—which explains my tiredness. 

What has struck me as I’ve watched The Chosen is that Jesus didn’t hurry—he wasn’t always available. He couldn’t be coerced, manipulated, or guilted into doing something. He only did what the Father told him to do. He wasn’t driven by expectations. Of course, all of that is in the Bible, but seeing it acted out in a continuous timeline has made it more obvious to me.  

This year, I want to be yoked to Jesus and go where he goes.  I want to go at his pace and rest when he rests. I want to do what he’s called me to do. 

I want to answer, “For to me, to live is CHRIST, and to die is gain!”