"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21)
To appreciate these words we should begin our reading at verse 15. Some of those who "preached Christ" more boldly on account of the apostle's imprisonment were doing so from low motives--out of envy and strife. They judged Paul to be like themselves and expected that their success in preaching would make him jealous, thus "adding affliction to his chains."
Paul disappointed these insincere preachers of the Gospel. As long as Christ was proclaimed he declared that it was his intention to rejoice! These refreshing words of his, so free from any bitterness or resentment, show us clearly the controlling purpose of his life. It was to "magnify" Jesus Christ.
What does Paul matter as long as Christ is exalted? This is his spirit--more, it is his passion! "He must increase, I must decrease" (John 3:30). Can we join the apostle in his testimony, "For to me to live is Christ!" Slights and insults thrust at us will have no effect. The trampling of Christ's name in the dirt will hurt us deeply. At the same time we shall shun applause for ourselves and delight to see honor given to Christ.
When William Carey lay dying, Alexander Duff, on whom Carey's "mantle" was soon to fall, came to visit his friend. Duff reminded Carey of the blessing that his missionary efforts had meant to India and the debt which the entire world owed him. As he turned to leave, Duff heard the dying man call his name. Upon returning to the bedside, he had to bend low to catch Carey's whispered words. "Duff, when William Carey is gone, don't talk about William Carey. Talk about William Carey's Savior!"
(this devotional by Dr. Stuart R. Schimpf)