February 23

For me to live is Christ and to die is gain — Phil 1:21

The secret of a sound body is a sound heart, and the prayer of the Holy Ghost for us is, that we may be in health and prosper even as our soul prospers.

We find Paul in the Epistles to the Philippians expressing a sublime and holy indifference to the question of life or death. Indeed he is in a real strait, whether he would prefer to depart and be with Christ, or to remain still in the flesh.

The former would indeed be his sweetest preference, but the latter would be at the same time a joyful service. His only object in wanting to live is to be a blessing. To abide in the flesh is more needful to you.

Having reached this state of heart, it is beautiful to notice how quickly he rises to the victorious faith necessary to claim perfect strength and health. Because it is more needful to you that I abide in the flesh, he adds, I know that I shall continue with you all, for your furtherance and joy of faith. Lord, help me today to count not my life dear unto myself that I may finish my course with joy and the ministry that I have received of Jesus.