To Live is Christ
The Christian Professional Journal is here to offer faith-based insights and encouragement to help you navigate work and life with purpose. Together, we’ll explore how to keep Faith First, Excellence Always, as we grow and walk boldly in God’s calling.
Life can feel full of competing priorities. But in the middle of it all, Paul’s words from a prison cell rise above the noise:
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
Paul’s calls us to examine what fuels our days and shapes our hopes.
What it means to live is Christ
To live is Christ means Jesus is the center of everything: our purpose, our strength, and our joy. It means we wake up knowing we belong to Him, and every moment becomes a way to display His love.
Our life is to be rooted in Christ’s presence and mission.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
And to die is gain
For every believer, death is the beginning of life in its fullness. Eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we look beyond this life with hope. That confidence gives us courage to live faithfully, knowing that our forever with Him is secure.
Living This Out as a Christian Professional or Business Owner
How does “to live is Christ” shape a professional life or business? It’s where Christ is honored and His character shines through our work.
Integrity and Stewardship: Decisions about finances, clients, or employees are spiritual acts of faithfulness. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).
Service over Self-Promotion: Leadership is reframed as servanthood (Mark 10:45). Profits and policies are measured by how they bless others and advance God’s purposes.
Kingdom Investment: Resources are leveraged for the gospel — supporting ministries, mentoring believers, creating workplaces marked by dignity and justice.
Hope in Uncertainty: Market volatility or business setbacks don’t define our worth. Our security rests in Christ, enabling courage and generosity even in tough seasons.
Living between “here” and “home”
Paul felt the pull of heaven and the call to keep serving on earth. That’s our place too, anchored in eternity yet faithful in the present.
Ask yourself:
How can I use today’s opportunities to encourage someone toward Him?
What might change if I saw every task, meeting, or conversation as a chance to honor Jesus?
Encouragement
Friend, your life and your work matter. Live today with Jesus at the center, and let the hope of being with Him give you courage to keep going.
If you’d like more help staying focused on Christ, explore my book “Sin the Great Joker”. It’s a companion for anyone who wants to live fully for Him. Gift a copy to yourself or gift it to someone who would love the message. Click here
And if you’d like to support further, if you’ve loved the message in the book, please leave a heartfelt and meaningful review on Amazon. Your words might lead someone else to learn more about Jesus.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Pressing On in September: A 4-Week Reading Plan
Week 1 — Nehemiah: Stay on the Wall
Read: Nehemiah 4–6
Nehemiah pressed on with the work of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall despite ridicule, threats, and exhaustion. His words in Nehemiah 6:3 remind us: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”
Reflection: What is the “wall” God has called you to build right now? What distractions tempt you to come down?
Takeaway: Pressing on means refusing to let fear, fatigue, or mockery pull you away from God’s assignment.
Week 2 — Paul: Press Toward the Goal
Read: Philippians 3:7–14
Paul counted all things as loss compared to knowing Christ. His life was marked by hardship, yet he pressed on: “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Reflection: What earthly things might you be tempted to cling to that keep you from pressing forward?
Takeaway: Pressing on means fixing your eyes on eternity, not temporary trials or gains.
Week 3 — Jesus in Gethsemane: Not My Will, but Yours
Read: Luke 22:39–46
In the garden, Jesus prayed in deep anguish. Yet He surrendered: “Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” He pressed on to the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).
Reflection: Where is God calling you to surrender your will to His?
Takeaway: Pressing on means trusting God’s plan even when the path leads through pain.
Week 4 — Hebrews: Running with Endurance
Read: Hebrews 12:1–3
The writer of Hebrews urges us to run with endurance, laying aside every weight and fixing our eyes on Jesus.
Reflection: What weights or distractions do you need to lay aside this month?
Takeaway: Pressing on means endurance, running the race with eyes fixed on Christ.
Help Spread the Word
Share with Friends, give the Gift of Faith and if you loved the book, please consider giving it a heartfelt and thoughtful review. Your feedback helps others discover the book and its message of hope and faith. www.sinthegreatjoker.com
Praying His peace and blessings abound in your life.
