The Blog

Paul said he gained Christ only after he had given us everything in this world and counted it all as “rubbish” (Philippians 3:8). Jesus said that in order to buy the pearl of great price, the merchant had to sell all he had (Matthew 13:46). How then have many “Christians” today managed to gain Christ without giving up their attachment to anything worldly? Many “believers” retain their worldly ambitions and their love for pleasure and ease and comfort and still claim to have gained Christ. That must then be “another Jesus” that they gained (2 Corinthians 11:4)- and not the One that Paul gained. All the great things that this world offers are rubbish compared to Christ. My prayer for you is that you will see this clearly. Never esteem any of the following as great in God’s eyes: Your intelligence, your health, your good looks, your gifts and abilities, your academic accomplishments, the esteem in which others hold you, etc. Think of the people who are not as clever or smart or who have not had the opportunities you have had. Remember that you are no better in God’s eyes than any of them. The only thing of value that you have is the measure in which you have partaken of the divine nature.

Personal Reflection:
What does Scripture teach us about enduring faith?