What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ Philippians 3:8 (NIV)
Garbage
I guess many of my thoughts, words and actions in life have been of no real value. You guess? Might that be an understatement? No, I’m not guessing. There is no doubt about it, I have chased after what will be of no lasting or eternal value. I have wasted time. I have expended energy. I have sought comfort. I have pursued pleasure. I have sought after awards and wanted recognition. I strained to hear compliments and been desirous of applause. I acquired things and stored up treasure on earth. I have even misspent the gifts, talents and abilities that you have given. Should I say more? You and I both get the point. There is no need for you to say anymore. But, the point is that many of my efforts will end up being no more valuable than garbage. That’s true. That was true of your efforts. But, that is no longer true of you and your efforts. Not anymore, not any longer. Give thanks for that. Can you tell me more? I would be happy to tell you more.
You have learned valuable lessons. How so? Let me ask you a couple questions. I’m listening. Do you want to keep on living the life you have just described? Do you want to pursue all that this world has to offer? Do you want to continue to live for the moment? No, certainly not. You have a new outlook. You have a different prospective. Isn’t that true? Yes, that is absolutely true. Then you must agree that you have learned valuable lessons. I do agree. That’s good.
Tell me about your new outlook. I want to hear about your new perspective. I want to keep my heart and mind and life focused on you. I want to listen your voice. I want to follow your guidance. I want to receive your direction. I want to stay on track and run the race that you have laid out before me. I want to fully live the life that you have called me to live. One day, I want to hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Tell me more about that desire that is in you. I want to live a life that is pleasing to you. I want to go where you guide me. I want to do what you ask of me. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom. I want to bring glory to you name. I want to store up real treasure in heaven with you. That is what you want. That is what you desire. That is the prayer that is in your heart. That is what I will do in and through your life. Can you rejoice in that? My hand is on you. My favor is with you. I will hear and answer your prayers. I will give you what you are asking of me. Yes, I can and will rejoice in knowing that you will work in and through my life to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. That is very good.
Lord, the world has had my attention. I have thought unimportant thoughts. I have valued what is of no eternal value. I have pursued what will amount to nothing. Help me now to come to know and love you. Nothing is of higher value or more important to me. Amen
Key Question… What did you once consider of great value and now think of it as being of no value at all?
Living It Out… Count everything of this life of no value compared to the surpassing value of knowing and loving Christ.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to come to know and love Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are seeking to know and love Christ above all else.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you count the things of this life as rubbish compared to knowing and loving Christ.
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