FIND FREEDOM IN CHRIST. PRESS ON.
- Key Verse
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. (Philippians 3: 7-8a)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
The incomparable gain of knowing Jesus Christ is everything. Pursue HIM, rejoice, and be joy-filled.
Reflections
From time to time, I have tried thinking like Paul, "[i]f anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more" (Philippians 3:4, NIV 1984).
I was born to godly parents. We were in church every time the doors were open, no wait, we opened the doors. Scripture reading and memorization were required. My mother, an angel, and Dad, a pastor. We prayed every morning, and evening . . . on our knees! We served others and gave joyfully and consistently. My sister was already telling others about Jesus when I was born.
I am qualified! I was born into it! WRONG! Although my family's influences were evident, the decision to trust Christ was mine alone. At an early age, I realized my need for a Savior. I believed and trusted Him. Read Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9, and 8:1. But, rather than consistently pursuing Christ, I found performing and people-pleasing a way of life. That self-imposed pressure was exhausting.
Finally, I realized the futility of anything apart following Him. I searched Scripture and began pursuing, being "salt and light" to those around me. It became evident that defining my self-worth by performance was a thief that came to destroy. But Christ came so that we could have life abundantly (John 10:10). You lose nothing, but gain everything.
I love music. Greg Ferguson wrote and performed a song entitled "An Audience of One." Here are some of the lyrics:
I'll be content to serve an audience of One.
Only His approval counts when all is said and done.
And this is my prayer, when the race is finally run,
I want to hear "Well done" from the audience of One.
That song just makes me want to shout, "Yes!" He is the One and only. He made the way. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV 1984) (emphasis added) reads, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast."
I have learned there is no higher value in life than accepting this gift. Grab it, hold it, and live it.
Discussion Questions
1. Are you performing or pursuing?
2. Read Luke 12:16-20. What did Jesus have to say about this man's decision (see verse 21)?
3. What qualifies you to become His follower?
4. What kingdom goals do you have for today? For this year? How about next year?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
August 13-17 (Philippians 1 - Colossians 1)
Read Philippians 2: 1-11.
• What does it mean to be selfish or to try to impress others?
• Why would those things go against what God would have you do?
• What, instead, does Paul say we should do? (verse 3 & 4)
• What would it look like in your own life to do those things?
• What did Christ do for you?
• How did He show humility?
•
Is it easy for you to be humble, not seek everyone's approval, and to serve others above yourself?
Activity: At a family meeting, ask each person to identify someone to serve. For the person you identify, think about doing something that puts that person before yourself. Try to think of someone who cannot do anything for you in return!
Lucina
August 15, 2012 08:23 AM
Beautiful Barbara--it was wonderful to see your face and hear your thoughts early this morning. Your own story of grace is similar to my own. I'm so glad we both realized what many pop cultural folks say today, "I got nothin". Knowing who I am in Christ is the key that unlocks it all for me. And in Christ, "I've got something" (actually so much more than that). He's my Lord now (at least when I let Him lead) and I know for certain that He has something better in store for me if I'll just press on toward the ultimate goal. Here's to doing so today!
Jennifer
August 15, 2012 08:37 AM
Wow! Needed this desperately... a recovering performer, now a devoted pursuer. It's awesome to be validated by His truth and your thoughtful words. Thank you Barbara :)
Jay Smith
August 15, 2012 09:58 AM
I loved reading your thoughts this morning.
Mike
August 15, 2012 10:07 AM
Barbara... Reading your devotional from the mountains of Colorado your "audience of one" has refreshed my parched Texas soul... Thanks for an insightful and encouraging message... Job well done.
Bobbie
August 15, 2012 10:10 AM
Thanks for a beautiful and scripture "rich" devotional today! So true and so encouraging!
Sue Bohlin
August 15, 2012 11:50 AM
Thanks for making so clear that even the best spiritual heritage counts for "nuthin," which is the proper context for understanding Paul's statement about forgetting what lies behind. I am feeling sad remembering how a friend in deep pain recently used that verse to justify pulling out of recovery work and counseling work, insisting that the past is the past and it's not worth wasting any more time there. But the only way to experience the Lord's healing power is by giving Him access to the dark and hurting parts of our heart.
Ann Holford
August 15, 2012 01:02 PM
Barbara, I so needed to hear your reminder today that pursuing people-pleasing leads to stress, while freedom is found in pursuing the "audience of One!" So glad I get to walk in His glorious freedom with you!
Elaine Word
August 15, 2012 02:00 PM
Barbara, thanks for the awesome devotional... I was not in the same home situation as you were growing up, but I was baptized as an infant, and brought up to believe that religion and being good were enough. Thank God, He brought me to the same realization as He did you... I needed to make a personal decision to trust Jesus as my Savior. The same Romans & Ephesians verses you cited became real to me also. Eph. 2:8&9 are priceless verses, and I just thank the Lord for His mercy and grace. I have never heard the song you quoted... "The Audience of One." The Lyrics are quite profound. We kind of share something else... God called me to serve in music ministry as a singer, but I see that He called you to marry Karl and become a SINGER! Many blessings to you "two" & your "two's."
Todd Wagner
August 15, 2012 03:58 PM
Thankful for grace, His kindness in showing me I needed it and He provided it and His kindness in surrounding me with others like you who celebrate it, respond to it and gladly "preach"it to others. Let's tell someone new today!