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CHRIST AS THE FOCUS OF OUR LIFE

The book of Philippians presents four ways how Christ is to be the focus of our life.  Paul says that Christ is to be Life’s Purpose for us.  He writes, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).  Christ is to be the one who gives meaning and purpose to our lives.  We are to center our lives in Him “who loves us and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Rev. 1:5b).  We are to glory in Him and His cross (Gal 6:14) and give Him the preeminence in all things (Col. 1:18).  Paul also says that Christ is Life’s Pattern for us.  He writes, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5).   He who humbled Himself and was obedient unto death of the cross can teach us much about humility, submission, and obedience to God. 

Third, Paul says Christ is to be Life’s Prize for us.  He writes, “I press toward the mark for the prize for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).  Some people act as if salvation is like buying a life insurance policy.  To them it’s something you do at a point in time.  However, salvation is based on something Christ has done. And it is a life changing experience which brings us into a relationship with the living Christ.  Our highest goal must be “to know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Phil. 3:10a), to know Him in close fellowship, to be with Him often in the Word, in prayer, and in our meditations.

Finally, Christ is to be Life’s Power for us.  Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13).  Whatever our need, whatever our circumstances, Christ is able to give us the grace and strength we need to meet the challenge.  Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5b), but with Him all things are possible (Mark 9:23).  May Christ truly be the focus of our lives as believers.

Larry Windham

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