The human spirit is drawn to be guided by a motto. A short sentence or phrase expressing a rule of sensible behavior. Here are some examples. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
One motto rises to the top when St. Paul wrote to the church in Phillipi. “For to me to live is Christ, to die is gain. (Philippians 2:11)” His “motto” becomes ours, because we follow in his stead in following Jesus.
For those who are led to follow Jesus there is a fork in the road. Either I’m around to serve Jesus on this side of heaven, or I depart in being with Him forever. St. Paul leaned more in one direction than the other. He’d sooner be with Jesus in His ascended glory. Who wouldn’t?
It is a personal testimony that became a rallying cry to us all. Stand firm in the Spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the good news of Jesus and His salvation. If God blesses you with a day in this world, live and speak in a way worthy of how Jesus saved you, and chooses to shine through you. This is what has been given to you, whatever may befall.

Trevor Treloar was an Australian soldier who served in both world wars. He was also a poet who penned these words.
Once more into the Fray…
Into the last good fight I’ll every know.
Live and die on this day…
Live and die on this day…
We are sent into the fray, which at times appears grey. It is the fight where God’s love and light conquers all that is dark. We then rely on God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to sharpen our focus and resolve. May God grant us a conviction that aligns with the good news of Jesus and His salvation, to advance the faith in the hearts and minds of others. The only way that the Body of Christ, God’s church, leverages change in this world is when we seize the day.
Sadly, though, where the fray is seen as the struggle, it is also the tear – the unravelling. A fray is also what happens to cloth when it becomes worn and falls apart, like the corner of a towel. Do we fray? Do we come apart? We sure do.
With that confession, let us live and die on this day. Let us die to our fragile sense of security. Die to our agenda. Die to our apathy. Die to our weakness. Die to our shame. Drown it all in the waters of the perpetual Jordan that flows from the baptismal font, where God lifts us up redeemed, equipped to soldier on.
Live and die on this day, for to live is Christ, to die is gain. You live because Jesus chose to die. You live because He rose from the grave. Then, in your heart there is no sin, in your mouth there is no deceit, in your touch there is no hurt, because the Holy Spirit descends and remains on you. This is where Jesus takes us, a whole bunch of sour lemons, and makes lemonade with the sweetness of His grace.
Note to whom Paul gives credit: “For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. (Philippians 1:19)” As Paul sat in prison, his whole life was bathed in the prayers of fellow believers, and the Holy Spirit granted him that full and unflinching courage before anyone – anything. It is only, then, in the power of God that you are mighty – to do, to dare, and to suffer (if need be). Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus. •
— By Pastor Neil Stern
Grace Lutheran Church, Edmonton