Are we prepared to surrender things in our lives in order to obtain a relationship with Christ? It is our path in seeking a relationship that will guide us and support us going forward as we strive to do the Lord’s work in this world. In this we become a part of Christ and reflect His every call.
In Philippians 3:1-16 we hear St. Paul say, “For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.”
The message that Paul sends here provides us with a very tough measuring stick. Our faith is measured by the degree to which we can lose the things of our lives and consider them rubbish as compared to gaining Christ Jesus and being found in Him.
I don’t know about you, but I think that I would have a hard time showing up on Paul’s measuring stick. Paul’s words spoken 2000 years ago create a sense of urgency in me today.
Paul recognizes the difficulty of our journey to God through Christ. He knows that we must continue to press on and not look back. He sees the prize as “…the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Paul encouraged the Philippians and by his preserved word we are encouraged to “be of the same mind,” letting God reveal to us the answers to our differences. He charges us to hold on to what we have gained in Christ Jesus, thus always building and gaining.
I have shared many times what God revealed to me during my brain surgery blessing. His love was very clear to me, as was his message of his eternal kingdom. It is a kingdom that we are entering even now as we live out our natural lives. As Paul says, “Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own.” But by “pressing forward” in Christ, we can catch a glimpse as we move closer to Him.
Our challenge is to overcome that part of us that would deny us a look at this wonderful gift from God our creator. It is in this walk with God that he redeems the rubbish of our lives and brings us into His everlasting kingdom.
I pray this prayer as I reflect on my preparation: ‘Father God, I know that I have been following my own thoughts and desires and not Your desires. I find it so hard to discipline my life in You. There are so many distractions and influences that keep me from You. I pray that You give me the strength and confidence to open my life to You, so that You can redeem what I am and take me with You on the journey into Your kingdom. AMEN.’