In the pages of the New Testament, we find the Apostle Paul writing from a Roman prison to the Saints at Philippi. His life hung in the balance. Prisons in his day were not places of justice or reform, but dens of suffering where food was scarce, cruelty common, and death ever near. Yet, instead of despair, Paul expressed joy, peace, and confidence in Christ. In Philippians 1:23–25, he wrote—For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better… Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you… And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.

Here, Paul revealed both his readiness to meet the Savior and his willingness to remain and labor for the sake of others. His words remind us that preparing to meet Christ is not simply about longing for that day when we stand in His presence. It is about living each day with purpose, faith, and service so that we may be ready whenever that moment comes.

From a Latter-day Saint perspective, preparation to meet the Savior is one of the central purposes of mortality. Alma taught with striking clarity, For this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God (Alma 34:32). Elder Quentin L. Cook echoed this truth, teaching our daily conduct and choices should be consistent with our goal of returning to live with Heavenly Father. Preparation is not accomplished in a single moment of belief, but in a lifetime of discipleship. It involves repentance, covenants, service, and developing Christlike attributes.

Paul’s words resonate with this doctrine. He was ready to depart this mortal probation, not because of despair, but because he had lived a life of devotion to Christ. He had endured hardship, persecution, and trial, yet he had also experienced the joy of conversion, the power of the Holy Ghost, and the assurance of redemption. For Paul, death held no terror. Instead, it meant the joy of reunion with the Savior he loved. Elder Neil L. Andersen taught that as evil increases in the world, there is a compensatory spiritual power for the righteous. Paul lived in that power, and so can we.

But Paul also recognized that preparation to meet the Savior is not only a personal journey—it is deeply connected to our service to others. Paul told the saints, To abide in the flesh is more needful for you. In other words, though he longed to rest in Christ’s presence, he understood his mission was not yet complete.

In connection with this, we also have a responsibility to care for our bodies so we can abide in the flesh and fulfill the work the Lord has given us. The Word of Wisdom is not only a commandment but a divine gift of protection, helping us maintain strength of body and clarity of mind. President Boyd K. Packer once taught that it is a principle with a promise designed to bless our lives temporally and spiritually.

When we live healthfully, avoid harmful substances, and care for the sacred gift of our mortal tabernacle, we lengthen our ability to serve. In doing so, we show the Lord that we are willing to remain on the earth until the time He has appointed for our departure, completing the mission He has entrusted to us. In a 2009 Conference talk, President Thomas S. Monson asked, What have I done for someone today? This question reflects Paul’s same willingness to remain in mortality to strengthen the faith of others.

For modern disciples, this truth is both sobering and comforting. Sobering, because it teaches us that preparation is not passive. We cannot sit idly and hope to be ready. As President Russell M. Nelson has taught, the Lord loves effort. We prepare by striving to keep covenants, by seeking the companionship of the Spirit, and by choosing daily to follow Jesus Christ. Comforting, because it reminds us our days and years matter in the service of others. Like Paul, we may long for the peace of eternal rest, but the Lord preserves our lives for purposes we may not yet see—for the blessing of family, friends, neighbors, or strangers who need our faith and example.

Preparation, then, is a dual work—inward and outward. Inwardly, we repent, pray, and cultivate faith until our hearts are anchored in Christ. Outwardly, we serve, love, and strengthen others, knowing that part of being ready to meet Him is becoming like Him. As Moroni exhorted, Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him (Moroni 10:32). President Russell M. Nelson reaffirmed this truth when he declared, Holiness is the key to seeing the Lord. As you choose to live in greater holiness, the heavens will open for you.

When we see Paul in his prison cell, facing possible execution, yet radiating peace and joy, we catch a glimpse of what it means to truly be prepared. His life teaches us that when our hearts are knit to Christ, fear fades. Whether life is prolonged or shortened, whether we are called to continue laboring or to depart this world, we can rest in the assurance that the Savior awaits us with open arms.

Thus, preparing to meet the Savior is not only about anticipating some distant day of judgment or reunion—it is about living each present day in such a way that if the call were to come, we, like Paul, could say with confidence, To depart, and to be with Christ, is far better. Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. Until that moment, our task is to walk faithfully, serve willingly, and love deeply, ever preparing to meet Him who has already prepared the way for us.