“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)

I’m sure we’re all familiar with the saying, “stuck between a rock and a hard place.” It’s the phrase we use when there doesn’t appear to be an obvious good solution. When all of your available choices seems to lead toward some form of hardship. The proverbial “rock and the hard place” is the classic no-win situation. Thankfully, not all decisions fall into this category. In today’s verse, Paul describes the exact opposite, a choice that doesn’t seem to have any down side at all. That said, none of us are necessarily looking to die. But as we profess our saving faith in Christ Jesus, we also know that death is just a temporary state. At the time of His choosing, God will collect all the believers and take us home with Him. Again, the idea of death should never be minimized, it is truly sad and disheartening to lose a loved one. Yet, as Christians we can find peace in the thought that death to this world brings life to a better world with God in heaven. This is why Paul writes “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better” in Philippians 1:21. We cherish the day when pain, sickness, and sin no longer plagues our souls. And at the same time, we embrace the notion that there is still work left for us to do in our current lives. If we live, then we are to live for God. And if we die, we will live with God. Both sides of this coin toss lands on a life with our Savior and Heavenly Father. So today, take Paul’s words to heart. Live each day for Jesus, until this life ends, and we live the rest of our days with Jesus.