Philippians 1:19-26, Matthew 6:33

Ibby Oke helps us to examine what we're living for.

Ibby Oke

'For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.' (Philippians 1:19-26)

What does it really mean to live for Christ?

Paul was a perfect example. Paul showed that Christ was his greatest priority, despite his circumstances: being imprisoned and awaiting a possible death sentence. Neither was Paul afraid to die, because even in death, he will be nearer to Christ.

Your greatest priority will reflect your relationship with Christ.

Living for Christ involves SELFLESSNESS and SACRIFICE. Selflessness is about being more concerned with the needs of others than with ours and sacrifice is an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy. We are so quick to say we love God, but we don't fully comprehend what that means. True love is selfless. It is prepared to sacrifice. If we say we love God, then these are the two qualities we should live by. We should be willing to give up 30 minutes of sleep to read His word and build a deeper relationship with Him. If we truly love God, we should be willing to sacrifice everything and anything for Him.

Living for Christ means having the boldness and courage to take a stand for what we believe in unashamedly.

The 5WHs

'Real transformation requires real honesty. If you want to move forward, get real with yourself!' Bryant McGill.

If you are going to live for Christ, you need to be real with yourself. Try to answer the following questions with total honesty.

WHO are you living for? Are you living for your friends, family, yourself or Christ?
WHAT are you living for? Are you living for your career, money or materialistic things?
WHY are you living for Him? You should live for the one who died and rose again for you.
WHEN will you live for Him? You're never too young or old to live for Christ. Do not believe in the lie that you can live for Christ later...tomorrow is not promised!
WHERE can you live for Him? What does your life preach? Does your life magnify Christ? You may be the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read.
HOW can you live for Him?

• Choose to have a relationship with Christ


• Choose to be persistent in prayer


• Choose to stay in the word. Are you able to defend your belief? It is easy for us to be swayed when we are not sure about what we believe. Dig deep into the word and build a strong foundation in your faith.


• Choose to make Christ your priority. Is Christ really the centre of your life? If He isn't, it's time to work on it. Don't get your priorities mixed up. 'But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.' (Matthew 6:33).


• Choose to be eternity focused. We are in this world but not of this world. With so many distractions, it is so easy for a day to pass by without thinking about eternity. Remember, Earth is for a moment, eternity is for life!
  Living for Christ means choosing Him daily; starting all over every day as if nothing has been done. Make your choice today!