THE WORD IS:“. . . as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20-21
THE POINT IS: The Apostle Paul lived a most extraordinary life. How did he live such a life? In these verses, Paul declared the source of his living to be Jesus Christ. This is not about imitation, far from it; it’s about a total transformation! That is exactly what had occurred in Paul’s life. Paul said that the reason Christ was so evident in his life was because itactually was Christ; Christ was doing the living through Paul. He had been transformed! According to Paul, the only way for him to live was by means of Christ. Christ is The Life—the one and only life (John 14:6). That is why only Christ can do the living. Living is simply not possible apart from Christ. Existing, yes, but living—no way. Real living is Christ living!

THE APPLICATION IS: Are you living or just existing? If you’re allowing Christ to live His life in you, as you, and through you, then you’re living. Otherwise, you’re just existing. As you allow Christ to do the living, He will be magnified in your body: through life, as well as death. When something is magnified, it becomes evident for all to see. You will see the difference and so will everyone else: a positive, constructive, productive difference! But, you must let Christ do the living and then you will become a magnifying glass for the Lord so that Christ will be evident in everything you say and do. Others will be able to see Christ—His character and His conduct—expressed through you. And the beauty of it is, you get to enjoy His life! Now that’s living . . . living an extraordinary life!

– Dr. Lewis Gregory

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