The Daily Word: Saturday, October 2nd, 2021
Isaiah 66:1-24
Philippians 3:4-21
Psalm 74:1-23
Proverbs 24:15-16
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. – Phil. 3:7-8
The Apostle Paul had a good resume. If anyone could boast about his religious heritage and background, it was Paul! Not only had he trained with the best rabbi for the best theological education; he was also the most zealous in his class: “blameless” according to God’s law.
Paul could boast; but he wouldn’t. Why? Because the Kingdom of God is upside down. Things that are “gain” to the world are “loss” for Christ. There are people all around you who will spend their entire lives working for wealth, building up their resume, and seeking to attain a certain measure of earthly success, only to meet God face to face at the end of their lives and discover that nothing they gained was worth anything at all!
Yet the converse is also true. Things that seem like a “loss” to the world can be “gain” for Christ! Do you have a past? Some things under your belt that you’re not so proud of? I have good news for you: God will use the un-usable. He will qualify the unqualified! He will pass over those who “deserve” the assignment in favor of one whose heart is loyal to Him (2 Chron. 16:9).
I graduated top of my class in high school. I have an Ivy League education. I worked on Wall Street and was in a position to make more money than I could have ever imagined. But Jesus called, and I answered. And do you know what? It was worth it. I have never regretted dropping everything to pursue Him, and I never will! He is worth it. A life laid at the feet of Jesus is the only life worth living at all.
Prayer:
Jesus, I love You! I will lay my life at Your feet because You are worth it. You are worth all I have to offer, and so much more than I can afford to give! And I will spend my days serving You without fear (Lk. 1:74), in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.