Philippians 3: 7-9

Most mornings around eight, before the office wakes up, I am often found writing a letter to God. It's the time when I sit down to fix my eyes on Jesus, before the world distracts me. I figure it is better to start with your eyes fixed on Him, rather than trying to see Him later on in the day when the world has put so many other thoughts at the forefront of your mind. The reason why I write God a letter is because that way I am more focused and I can see my prayers and thoughts. Well this morning I have been wowed by the blessings of God. Stand still for a minute and think of the beautiful people around you. Now that could be the smiling cleaner that greets you each morning as you enter work, the lady or gentleman that takes your eyes off the worries of the day and helps you smile. Beautiful people are those people that take your eyes off the matters of the world and help you see what really matters.

Today I am wanting to encourage you to keep your eyes heavenward, to forget about the earthly matters and focus on the heavenly perspectives.

Philippians 3 v 7-9 says.
'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 and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from law, but that which is through faith in Christ- the righteousness that comes from God through faith.'

This passage is written by Paul as he is in chains for his faith. The title of this section of scripture is 'No confidence in the Flesh', and is a strong reminder to us all that ultimately, what matters is not our earthly status, our successes or failures but our relationship with Jesus Christ. Without this eternal fellowship life is no more than an eternal rat race. When Jesus steps into your life that is when life explodes with colour and meaning. Paul was learning that life stinks sometimes, but nothing could separate him from the love of Christ and that that love is enough to sustain him. Paul was able to say to the world he may seem weak, dirty, and the lowest of the low, but in his heart he knew he was the child of the king, and that knowing the risen Christ in his heart gave him the strength to suffer with peace and joy in his heart.

Paul had life and all its riches in perspective. That compared to the surpassing knowledge of Christ all else was nothing.

I spend much time listening to people, (perhaps like you), who would do anything for anyone in order that they may be accepted. We spend so much of our time trying to be accepted by the world, because we are scared of being labeled, weak, dirty, low, and unimportant, we want so much to be part of the 'in crowd' to gain security.

Today lets remember that outside this you are accepted, that God loves you more than you can imagine, to Him you are precious, to Him you are amazing, to Him you are His sons or daughters whom He loves. So even though the world may reject you, don't worry, your Father loves you. Know this in your heart that you may be able to stand tall even in chains. You will never stand alone, your heavenly Father, heavenly best friend loves you, and if you call on Him He will turn up to fill your heart with love. From the knowledge of that love will overflow knowledge (in your head and heart) that you are accepted, and from acceptance will come inner confidence- not in the flesh but in Him.

Trust in the Lord your God with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs (3 v 5)

Lean on Him, and trust Him. Lets not seek confidence in the flesh of man today, but just know that we are accepted.  CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.