Living for Christ with Purpose in Philippians 1

Philippians 1 captures the tension that every believer feels after coming to know Christ. Once we truly understand who Jesus is, it can be hard to see the point of staying in a world filled with sin, bills, pain, and darkness. We know this earth is not our forever home, and part of us longs to be with God. But as the Apostle Paul teaches, there is still purpose in being here. Our lives are meant to glorify Christ in everything we do.

To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain

Paul understood this struggle deeply. He wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He knew that dying meant being with Christ, which is far better, but he also knew that living meant continuing the work God had called him to. The same is true for us. We remain on earth so that others may come to know Jesus through our lives and our example.

There are days when it feels easier to want heaven than to deal with the burdens of this world. Yet even in those moments, God reminds us that He has us here for a reason. Every hardship becomes an opportunity for His name to be glorified. Whether through pain or joy, God always wins.

Paul writes that even while he was in chains, “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). His suffering became a platform for God’s glory. That truth still applies to us today. We give thanks to God no matter what we face because He uses both the highs and lows to fulfill His purpose. Knowing Christ means understanding that even our suffering has meaning. Through His Word, we grow in love, knowledge, and discernment so that when we stand before Him one day, we can be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:9–10).

Life on earth is not meaningless. Living allows us to serve others, to share the gospel, and to help more people experience the same grace we have received. Dying means being with God, but living means bringing more glory to Him. So we keep going. We keep proclaiming truth. We keep being the example of what the Word of God looks like in action.

Standing Firm in Faith and Gratitude

Paul’s gratitude never depended on his circumstances. He begins his letter by saying, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy” (Philippians 1:3–4). Even in prison, Paul saw the good work God was doing in and through His people. He reminds them that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). That same promise gives us strength today.

As believers, we cannot let fear, weariness, or rejection stop us from sharing the truth. Not everyone will believe, and that is okay. Our job is to keep walking in faith and reflecting Christ wherever we go. Paul reminds the church to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). Whether we face support or opposition, we are called to stand firm in one Spirit and remain faithful.

Yes, the walk is difficult, but it is worth it. God is still doing good work in and through you. The fact that you are here means He still has a purpose for your life. Thank Him for choosing you, for bringing you back to Him, and for allowing you to lead others back as well. There is still so much work to be done, but by His grace, we can do it.

Reflection Prompt: Do you see your daily life as an opportunity to glorify God, even in the ordinary and difficult moments?

If you want to take this reflection deeper, In His Voice, I Walk helps you write through what it means to live with purpose for Christ. Use it to thank God for giving your life meaning, and to renew your desire to keep serving faithfully until the work is done.