Reevaluating Our Priorities: A Call to Focus on Christ
"I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ." - Philippians 3:8 NIV
Lies of the Enemy
"You're not enough." That's what the world wants you to believe. But Jesus says "You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and I have loved you with an everlasting love," Psalm 139:14 & Jeremiah 31:3.
People say "Strive for more, because you're not doing enough." Jesus says "Come to me and I'll give you rest," Matthew 11:28.
They tell you to work harder, there's still more you need to achieve. Jesus says "I have done the work, and it is finished," John 19:30.
Even some Christians say "You need to earn your worth." But Jesus says "You are valued and precious in my sight, and I have given my life for you," Isaiah 43:4, John 3:16.
Don't get caught in the lies of the enemy and lose sight of what truly matters. As Christians, we know that our ultimate goal should be to know Christ and make Him known. In the book of Philippians, we are reminded of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, the power of His resurrection, and the joy that can be found in Him alone. But what does this look like in practical terms?
The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ
Are you willing to risk everything for Jesus, or are you holding on to things that you think will bring you joy and fulfillment? In Philippians 3:8, Paul writes, "Everything else is worthless compared to knowing Christ." He considers his accomplishments and status as loss for the sake of gaining Christ. We should prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else. But how do we do this?
Here are six reminders from Scripture to help aid your combat of the enemy's lies.
Count everything else as loss, Philippians 3:8.
Embrace the fellowship of His sufferings, Philippians 3:10.
True joy is found in Jesus alone, Philippians 4:4.
Don't trust in the law or legalism, Philippians 3:9.
Suffering is part of the Christian life, Matthew 7:14.
Jesus is our hope and our joy, Hebrews 12:2-3.
The Power of Christ's Resurrection
Paul wants to know the power of Christ's resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, Philippians 3:10. We can experience this by embracing the hardships and trials that come our way, knowing that we are not alone. Being should be willing to embrace suffering for Christ's sake. We can push through our pain because we know on that cross Christ took on our sin and defeated death, giving us a chance. Jesus is our reason to push through when things get tough. He's our source of joy.
But let's be real - there's a lot of false teaching out there that promises us a life of ease and prosperity. That's not the Christian life, fam. That's a fake gospel that leaves us feeling disappointed and disillusioned when life doesn't turn out as promised. The Christian life is not about avoiding struggles or difficulties. It's not about achieving some kind ofspiritual high or feeling blessed and stress-free all the time. It's not about putting on a show to say look at what I'm doing for God either.
The Christian life is about knowing Christ and making Him known, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. It's about finding joy in Him alone, and trusting in His power and resurrection, even when everything else seems to be falling apart.
Finding Joy in Jesus
There is absolutely nothing you can do to earn the love of God or get into right standing with him. That's why we need Jesus. Jesus came down from his throne in heaven to take on the body of a man. So he could take on our sins to give us a chance all while being the perfect example of how we should be. Following Jesus won't be easy and no list of rules will help. The law is there to show us how much we need Jesus. Knowing Jesus did it all should give you an overwhelming joy that drives you to keep moving forward. True joy is found in Jesus alone, Philippians 4:4. We should rejoice in the Lord always, even in difficult times, knowing that He is our hope and our joy.
We should be aiming to be more than big talkers and walking the walk. Being an example to others. Showing that even though life gets hard we have a reason to continue. We're not going to pretend that everything is alright when it's not. Living out this truth is what gives others hope and makes them curious about where our strength comes from. It gives us the chance to point back to God and say He gives me joy. He makes this possible. Don't buy into the false promises of the 'prosperity gospel'. There is nothing we can do that will make us righteous in the eyes of God. Choose to put our eyes on Jesus, and find our ultimate goal in knowing Him and making Him known.
As We Journey Through Life
Let's remember that our relationship with Christ is the most important thing. Let's not get caught up in the trap of legalism or the pursuit of happiness. Instead, let's fix our eyes on Jesus and seek to know Him more and more each day.
Reflection Questions
Are we prioritizing our relationship with Christ above all else?
Are we willing to embrace suffering, if our paths call us there?
Are we willing to let go of our earthly desires and ambitions for the sake of gaining Christ?
Do you know and understand that when we embrace suffering with faith and trust in God's sovereignty, we experience the power of Christ's resurrection in our lives?
Can you or do you rejoice in the Lord always? As believers, our joy and fulfillment are in Jesus alone.
Are we seeking happiness in temporary things or are we looking to Jesus as our eternal source of joy?