To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain

“When everything considered valuable in life is seen to be nothing in comparison to the glory of Christ, you learn rather well that Christ alone is worth living for.”

― Matt Chandler, To Live Is Christ to Die Is Gain

Heavenly-class thinkers are deeply committed and faithful followers of Christ. While average-minded people or even self-reliant world-class thinkers become weary and tired, facing burnout from the day’s battles, they are unable to push themselves beyond their limits.

Why is that?

Because average-minded people and self-reliant world-class thinkers rely solely on themselves to fuel them forward. Their finite flesh can only push them so far.

Whereas the heavenly-class thinker knows when they are weak, Christ is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9). While others give in to their flesh, the heavenly-minded thinker, connected to Christ’s yoke, allows the Holy Spirit to take control of their vessel while they keep their mind fixed on heaven. This faith empowers them to keep going, even when their flesh tells them they have nothing left to give.

It’s not that the heavenly-minded thinker is immune to weariness. It’s their unwavering belief that they will win, regardless of the outcome. Just as Paul declares in Philippians, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). The heavenly-minded thinker is committed to following Christ, regardless of the cost.

Average-minded people fantasize about living in the peace and commitment that fill the hearts of heavenly-minded thinkers, but they shy away from any actual discomfort.

A human cannot be its own source. Average-minded people and even self-reliant world-class thinkers fail to recognize this profound truth. Yet, the wisdom of the heavenly-class thinker empowers them to realize that they need a source bigger than themselves to keep going when the going gets tough. That source is Jesus Christ (John 15:5).

Champions in Christ do not fixate on physical pain or emotional distress. They understand the immense suffering Jesus endured for their freedom and restoration. When pain arises, they lift their eyes to something higher, something holy. It’s not that they do not feel the pain, but they know it is temporary, and only God has the final say (2 Corinthians 4:17). Champions in Christ understand that while their flesh may be hurt, no one can take them out of God’s hands (John 10:28).

Average-minded people are only committed to themselves. They deceive themselves into believing their way is the best and foolishly follow their hearts toward destruction (Proverbs 14:12).

The heavenly-class thinker follows the path of Jesus. With their eyes fixed on the prize, they press on through the narrow gates, propelled by righteousness (Matthew 7:13-14). They approach their God-given commitments like warriors, knowing that suffering, defeat, and worldly failures are part of the road to victory, just as Jesus experienced (Matthew 16:24). The average-minded thinker, however, questions the price they must pay for heavenly success. The champion in Christ is willing to pay whatever price it takes to fulfill God’s will for their life. They are committed and, therefore, true disciples of Christ (Luke 14:27).

For the heavenly-class thinker, commitment means laying down their own cross—abandoning their desires, ambitions, and will—to pick up Jesus’ cross (Matthew 16:24). Each day, they willingly die to themselves so that more of Christ can live in them, letting His light shine brightly for all to see (Galatians 2:20). Commitment for the heavenly-class thinker is about glorifying God (1 Corinthians 10:31). On the other hand, commitment to the self-reliant world-class thinker or average-minded individual is about glorifying themselves.

At the end of their lives, the heavenly-class thinker hears, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). But the average-minded and self-reliant world-class thinker reach the end of their lives only to realize they missed it—their life, their purpose, and the call of God on their heart.