Fifty people over the age of 90 were once asked this question: “If you could live your life over again, what would you do differently?” Three answers appeared most frequently: 1. I would reflect more, 2. I would risk more (take more chances), and 3. I would do more things that would live on after I died.

Many people, at the end of their lives, look back with regret. They say things like, “I wish I had spent more time with my family” or “I wish I could go back and place value on the things that are truly important.” In other words, if they could start over, they would do so with a different set of priorities.

The apostle Paul, in his prison epistle to the church in Philippi, encourages a life without regrets. Notice what he recommends for living right now that won’t require any wishful thinking when death is near.

1. Spend more moments in meditation. Paul’s imprisonment gave him plenty of time for reflection. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you” (Phil. 1:3), he said. He thought of them often, and when he did, he thanked God for them. He probably remembered Lydia and the women he met by the riverside. He most likely recalled the night the Philippian jailor was baptized. A few verses later, he wrote, “I have you in my heart” (1:7). There was such a closeness between them that it was as if they were right there with them. Meditating about them and what the Lord had done with them brought him great joy, even while in prison.

There is never a bad time to think good thoughts. It is unfortunate that we typically equate meditation with yoga, headbands, and nature soundtracks. It is simply the contemplation of what is most important, setting “your mind on things above, not on the things that are on the earth” (Col. 3:2). When you let your mind dwell on them, you start to practice them. But keep in mind, you may have to turn some things off before you can engage in quiet reflection of God’s grace and goodness. And you’ll be glad you did.

2. Don’t shrink back from opportunities to grow. Paul put himself on the line. When his preaching was met with opposition, he could have easily toned his message down. His persistence led to imprisonment, but the message continued to spread. It turned out “for the greater progress of the gospel” (Phil. 1:12), becoming well known throughout the governor’s palace (1:13). And instead of quieting his brethren, it enabled them with “far more courage to speak the word of God without fear” (1:14). Rather than shrink back, Paul pressed forward.

One of the ways personal growth is accomplished is through personal challenges. It’s easy to quit when you feel resistance or stay at a level where you are comfortable. But such ease eventually leads to the wonders of “what if?” If you have faith in God, then take steps to increase it, trusting that He will give you the strength needed for the task. You may experience “growing pains,” but with the Lord leading, you are sure to find higher ground. Along the way, you might even encourage someone else to start growing in the same direction.

3. Live for what is worth dying for. Paul felt no pressure from his imprisonment. He confidently said, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). If he was released, he would keep preaching the gospel. If he was executed, he would go home and be with the Lord. Either way, he won. He found something worth living for, and he would eventually give his life for it.

What do you live for? What is most important to you? The coach expects the team to be the number one priority in the lives of his players. The band director expects the same devotion from his performers. The boss can’t think of any good reason for you to miss work. But which of those things can you take with you when you die? When Christ is your life, you will make sacrifices in other areas because of the ultimate price He paid for you. And you’ll invest in something that will live on long after you go the way of all the earth.

Later, Paul looked back at his life and said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:6-8). No regrets there. Let us chart the same course that in the end we have no guilt in life, no fear in death.

—Bubba Garner