For Part 2 of our self-examination, fill in the appropriate words that reveal the results of the pursuits of Part 1:

“For to me to live is (your answer here), and to DIE is __________.”

Using the popular answer above, observe how the sentence is completed:

If to live is to accumulate wealth and possessions, then to die is to leave it all behind.  “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7).

Thus far, where does your “game plan” lead?

Now observe how the Apostle Paul completed this sentence – and expressed his top priority:

“For to me to live is CHRIST, and to die is GAIN.” (Philippians 1:21)

Only when our “game plan” is to live for Christ can our death truly be considered gain.  How so?  Because living for Christ means to have our sins washed away by His blood when we submit to Him with an obedient faith: believing and trusting Him (Acts 16:30-31), turning from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30), confessing Him before (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized, (immersed) into Christ (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-27).  Living for Christ means to understand the greatest purpose in life: to live to glorify Him (1 Corinthians 10:31).  Living for Christ means that death is truly gain in that an eternal inheritance awaits the faithful child of God (1 Peter 1:3-5).