I'm in Philippians now on my new testament reading plan and was struck by 1:12-20.

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Paul is in prison, he's been beaten, abused, tormented, mocked, and now in chains. He's writing letters of encouragement to churches, not knowing if they are the last words he'll ever convey. He's sharing the hope of Christ to criminals, unable to bottle up the joy Jesus has given him. I read this and have so many emotions run through my heart, but mostly awe.

To live a life totally in the present, and with such clear vision of what you were born to do. That telling everyone you encounter about Jesus and if that leads to death, then so be it, because that just means you get to be with Jesus faster.

I sit reflecting on my own life, and how many times I've shied away from conversations about faith, but also encouraged by the times I've waded in chest deep. I love my time in scripture, but find it too often out of study instead of devotion, but I'm getting better.

I guess what I'm feeling the most is an overwhelming knowledge that my entire life needs Christ at the center, and that his name should be on my lips more, no matter the situation, the occasion, the location, or the company.

By life or by death, I pray my life honors Christ