NOTES for Php 1:21
In these words of the apostle Paul the whole newness, the whole specific character of the Christian attitude toward life and death is expressed. In fact, the way we relate to death is entirely determined by our relation to life. If for us life is above all our biological existence, then we cling to it with all our strength, health becomes our god, and we fear nothing as much as death; this fear of death poisons every second of our being. If for us life is above all spiritual being, then the body becomes for us a constant brake on the path, a "prison of the spirit," and disembodiment, physical death, is perceived as the highest good, while bodily life here is perceived as an annoying and senseless delay.
For Christians the essence of life is union with Christ, which is realized already here and now, but continues no less after physical death. Therefore, on the one hand, life in this world is not meaningless and there is no desire to part with it as soon as possible, and on the other hand, there is no fear of death. Moreover, as Paul writes elsewhere, here it is "as though through a dim glass," and then "face to face" (see 1 Cor. 13:12); therefore death is gain, but not a gain of such a level that one must break off all the bonds, relationships, and ministries that make up the life of Christ in our life here. Then it is understandable that when we are sick, we pray for healing and seek treatment, but if death comes, we can accept it as "sister" (in the words of Francis of Assisi).