“What is more, 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 and be found in him,”
– Philippians 3:8-9 (NIV)
Daily Meditation: Luke 10:38-42, Philippians 3:1-14
When we think of the great heroes of faith in the Bible, one of the people who usually comes to mind is the Apostle Paul. He wrote many books of the Bible, lived an amazing life for God, performed incredible miracles, and endured terrible suffering throughout his life. He also had all sorts of worldly credentials to his name, things that defined him as an upper-class citizen of his day. He was clearly a big shot in his community, with power and authority and status, but he gave up all of that.
Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians—from a prison cell, no less!—that all of his personal achievements and status symbols, all the prestige and accomplishments that had made his life comfortable before meeting Christ, all the things that the world considered impressive, were “garbage” in comparison to knowing Jesus. We’re talking smelly trash full of dirty diapers, egg shells, and coffee grounds! The things in life we’ve done, the status we’ve gained, the works that we’re proud of – all of it useless! Nothing but garbage and waste! What a humbling thought.
When I think about all the things in life I am proud of, I ask myself, “How important are they in comparison to knowing Jesus?” Actually they’re not important at all, and that’s a perspective I never want to lose. So whether it’s praise or persecution, accomplishment or accusation, let’s not let anything get in the way of knowing Christ. The most important thing we can do in this life is to devote ourselves to God and invite him to work through us. What a joy to have a relationship with Christ!
“Nothing teaches us about the preciousness of the Creator
as much as when we learn the emptiness of everything else.”
– Charles Spurgeon
Nothing this life can throw at us is more important that knowing God! Don’t let wealth, status, or accomplishments get in the way of your relationship with Christ, because that’s what truly matters.
Let’s let 2019 be the year we grow closer to the Lord and become the fearless, strong, and faithful woman we are meant to be in Him! In Be Fearless, Julie Clinton provides a scripturally-sound guide for finding freedom, purpose, joy… and fearlessness. Be Fearless is now available in our store! https://www.aacc.net/product/be-fearless/ Consider working through Be Fearless with another extraordinary woman or group this year!
Julie Clinton, MAd, MBA, is president of Extraordinary Women and host of EWomen conferences all across America. She is the author of several books including A Woman’s Path to Emotional Freedom, 10 Things You Aren’t Telling Him, and Extraordinary Women. She is passionate about seeing women live out their dreams by finding their freedom in Christ. Julie and her husband, Tim, live in Virginia with their children, Megan and Zach.