Our happiness and joy should be in our source of salvation not in our possessions or circumstances (past or present). This is so hard to remember in the midst of distress and emotional times. It is very hard to remember that we are not citizens of this world and that the things that cause us distress are really small in the grand scheme of things. Philippians 3 serves as a reminder that our hope, joy, and life are all found in God.
Verse: 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 (Philippians 3:8).
The material items of this world are nothing but worthless garbage. So many times we put things in front of service to the kingdom. Our possessions become idols and a source of our happiness and take on an importance that they should not. We work so hard to gain possessions that we neglect our God and families. I count myself blessed to have the material items that I have, but know that they are all worthless if I do not allow God to use me to help others.
Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).
We need to quit living in the past and live for our present and future. All to often we allow the things of our past to affect our present and future. Sure things we have done in the past may have a consequence in our present but we need to move past the events and mistakes of the past and strive to be more like Christ now. It is hard to forgive those who have hurt us in the past, but we must in order to move on and have a more fulfilling life in Christ.
My prayer is that I will become more like Paul. Sometimes I feel like such a failure because I find it hard to rejoice despite my circumstances.
Tags: Philippians 3
I agree that these verses seem all well and good and happy, but are harder than anything in real application. I think one really doesn’t know the true meaning until they get to the total end of their rope and then choose Christ anyway.
But even after that it is a constant reminder.
Tracy you are right it is HARDER than anything to live out these verses in our lives. I find it especially hard when I face an unexpected and unwanted trail, or I am hit with something from my past. Letting go and moving on seems impossible at times. I am glad for the reminders that we have throughout the word of God.