Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 28, 2014
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 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 3:7-8
In God’s economy some of our greatest gains come with losses. We lose a son or daughter in marriage, but we gain a daughter-in-law or son-in-law. We lose a corporate job, but gain an opportunity to influence a smaller enterprise for God’s Kingdom. We lose our health, but gain a realization of the brevity of life. We become much more intentional in matters of faith and eternity. We lose an opportunity because we lacked peace, but gain one that excites our imagination.
What have you lost that needs repair or replacement? If it’s your reputation, lean into the Lord to restore your character in the community. As you walk with Christ in integrity you will gain a good name that is many times more valuable than gold. Maybe you made a hard decision that caused you to lose a long term relationship. You may have gained their respect and one day they may truly desire to know you at a deeper emotional level. God’s gains far exceed our losses.
“He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue” (Proverbs 28:23).
Furthermore, the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord is our greatest gain. We clamor to see popes, pastors and presidents, while all the while the King of Kings and Lord of Lords kindly waits to love us. No need for us to gain access to God. He has given us the full privilege of being with Him and knowing Him–anytime, anywhere. No secret service agents to overcome, because the blood of our Savior Jesus has already overcome! By faith we gain God.
What we give up to gain God are trinkets in His Kingdom. We give up the trinket of distrust and gain Deity’s diamond ring of trust. We give up the trinket of striving and gain our Savior’s safety deposit box filled with His peace and security. We give up the trinket of people’s approval and gain our heavenly Father’s warm acceptance and compassionate understanding. The exchange rate of our culture’s currency offers us losses for our gains, but Christ’s currency gives us gains for our losses–His true riches. What we lose for the Lord is great gain, never to be lost!
“Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage to give up what’s not of You, to gain what’s all of You.
Related Readings: Psalm 90:12; Mark 8:36; Philippians 1:21; 1 Timothy 6:6; Hebrews 11:35
Post/Tweet today: In God’s economy some of our greatest gains come with losses. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: T.D. Jakes, 5 min video dealing with loss- http://bit.ly/1uWpOv8
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