DECEMBER 21, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

DECEMBER 21 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: PHILIPPIANS 1:19-26

Here is an eternal truth that we better get a hold of, "To live is Christ, to die is gain!" If we live for anything else other than Christ, then to die would be loss. Far too many people live to make money, believing that if they get enough their lives will be fulfilled. But the pursuit of money will leave you empty, because it cannot satisfy...and the love of that money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some live their lives for power and position, only to find out that power is a deception, as it also cannot meet our deepest needs. Ultimately, no human power keeps one from their appointment with death and there to meet the One with ultimate power. Some live their lives for their families and while this sounds initially like a good thing, this too can lead to missing what life is all about. Our families need the presence of Christ, because life is hard and we cannot do this on our own.

On their own...money is not evil...power and position are not bad...certainly our families are not contrary to God. The point is...what or who are we living for? If we live for Christ, our money situation will be as it should be. If we live for Christ, we would use our power and position in a godly, Christ–honoring way. If we live for Christ, our families will be blessed and strengthened because of it. What is the focus of your life? Who is the center of your universe? Who do you live for? Jesus tells us to, "Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these other things will be added unto you." The writer of Hebrews tells us to, "Look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith..." Who do we live for? The answer to this question determines that when death comes, whether we will gain or we will lose.

Please share your thoughts.