I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
(Philippians 1:20-21 TNIV)
To be so saturated with Christ Jesus that your expectations are of Christ being glorified regardless of what happens to your own person, for this is the place where we are headed if we love Him who has set us free. Paul was totally sold out and his only concern was that the glory of Christ Jesus be known through his life, whether in life or death because he knew to die was to be with the one he loved but he chose to stay present so that more people may also know Christ as he did. The evidence of Paul’s life being a vessel for the Lord’s purpose became more visible as his persecution grew. For in persecution there are two paths, one requires that you willingly let go of your beliefs in an attempt to return to your Egypt. Those who liked the movie The Matrix will remember the scene where Cypher (the traitor) was sitting in a fancy restaurant savoring a thick, juicy steak as he gave away information that would destroy his friends. Even though he knew the steak wasn’t real and selling out would mean his imprisonment he no longer had the strength or desire to fight for what was right, the truth. The other option is to dig in knowing the nearer you get to the Truth the more dangerous you become and therefore the more fierce the forces of the enemy.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
(Psalms 28:7-9 TNIV)
