But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
Whether we are professing Christ for the first time or returning to him after a time away, an overhaul, or cleaning out, of our current life is often required. We take an inventory of our current life. What is it that pulled me away from my God? What stood between him and I? Can I live without these things…things that I held so tightly to, believed in, coveted? What will I have left if I get rid of these “obstacles”? We are forced to confront many things in our lives that we have grown accustomed to…things that we have rationalized as appropriate or acceptable…and at times it can be incredibly unnerving. But as the text above states, things that we once thought were so essential, appropriate, and valuable to our well-being are pushed aside, now worthless, when compared to our relationship with the Lord. We may have to sever relationships, change daily habits, seek new employment…but in the end…once the overhaul is complete, we stand immeasurably better off than we did before. It is all well worth it…for nothing is greater than having a solid relationship with the Lord…for when we are close to him, we find an incredible sense of peace…we are finally content and are no longer consumed with constant “wants”…we are overflowing with kindness and love for others as the Lord works through us. The benefits are endless…all we have to do is take the step towards him…and then trust that he will begin his work in us. After all, in the end…when it is all said and done…it’s all that is going to matter. Is our relationship solid, genuine, real? May we live our lives in a way that proves this solid foundation…not for man…but for our God…who deserves that our every breath be breathed, our every word be spoken, and our every action be taken to glorify him. To God be the glory!
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