How should Christians view dying? We know what Jesus said to the thief on the cross, the one who said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” We know Jesus said to him, “Today, you shall be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:42-43) Yes, because Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven, we can be sure that, when we depart from this life, all those who love and trust Jesus will share that thief’s experience. We will, as Paul says in verse 23, “depart and be with Christ.”

So, why should God leave us on this earth after we’ve been saved? Well, there are only a few things we can do here that we can’t do in Heaven. One is to go on sinning, and I doubt very much God wants us to do that. Another is to suffer, and although that may be an inevitable byproduct of living in this sinful world, God never says that’s the purpose of our existence. No, the third thing is that which occupies most of this passage – the need for fruitful labor on earth.

So, what is that labor which God has left us here to do? Well, we know that Paul spent a great deal of his time spreading the gospel to those who have not yet trusted in Christ. And while that is indeed a critical component of every Christian’s duty, that’s not what Paul emphasizes here. Instead, he points to the need for all of us to help other Christians progress in their faith, learning more about Jesus and submitting more and more of their lives to Him. This progress will naturally result in joy for all Christians, those who teach as well as those who learn.

So, God has left you on this earth for a reason. He has given you a new day of life. Whom can you encourage today? How can you help others grow in their faith?

Philippians 1:22-26 (NAS)

22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.
23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;
24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.
25 And convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,
26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.