Philippians 1:21–23 (NKJV)
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”

You may have heard the news:

The close-knit Colorado family of Calvary Chapel fellowships is mourning the deaths of Scott Cox and his wife Nancy. Scott served as Senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Windsor, Colorado. The couple died following a tragic auto accident on Monday, July 4, 2022. Scott and his wife Nancy started the church back in 2006. They are survived by their children Alex and Charlie. Please pray for their sons, their extended family, and the church, as they mourn this tragic loss.

Our hearts our broken, shattered…and yet I wonder, can we accurately refer to this as a tragedy?

In our passage for today, Paul informs us of that fact for the Christian – to die is “gain.” He even said he had that deep desire to depart and be with Christ, which is FAR BETTER. Death for us is a departure to glory, to heaven, where we as believers will live forever and ever in the very presence of God (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:1-7).

But…if you’re like me, or even Paul the Apostle, we’re torn between the two, aren’t we? We long to live long lives on earth, to love our family, to serve the people. If you’re faithful, like Paul the Apostle, or Scott and Nancy Cox it would mean fruit from your labor. It’s a tough choice Paul said.

Thank God the choice is not ours, it’s His…and the truth is, Father knows best. God knows what’s best for everyone involved. May that comfort our hearts.

As I ponder the passing of Scott and Nancy, I’m also reminded of the fact that any of us can die suddenly. We all have an appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27), a race to run and finish one day (2 Timothy 4:7). Are we ready? As Christians we are, and we should not be afraid. Christians live in the invincible principal meaning we can’t die unless God allows it, and when He does, we’re home in heaven.

The challenge is for those we leave behind. Please pray for the family and the church.

It’s good to weep…and it’s good to worship. Praise God for the saved lives of two people who understood what Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21a, “For to me, to live is Christ.”

May we all have that simple, saving summary of life.

Your brother in Christ,

• Manny