by Philippians 3:8 (ESV) — 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
On this journey of life, there is a lot of things that could redirect our focus from our purpose. Social media, television, movies, and other outlets are always pushing for us to buy or pursue something. Whether it is a new car, house, body, or career, there is no shortage of things for us to consider.
Earlier tonight, my wife and I were talking about the fact that I could be a minimalist very easily. There simply is not a lot of “things” that I really want to have. While the few things I do want are limited, what I enjoy are experiences with people and being in the great outdoors.
Yet of all the things in this world, the highest pursuit in our lives has been put into the heart of every person. That pursuit can get sidelined by things of this world, but ultimately it is a desire to know Christ as Lord. To know Christ is God’s greatest desire for us which comes through a diligent search.
Paul said that in comparison to knowing Christ, there is nothing in this world that is worth that relationship. In fact, his desire was to lose his attachment to everything in order to gain Christ. Why?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)
This realization that our relationship with him should be the starting point for all of life’s pursuits. What many people are trying to replace God with, will pale in comparison to the surpassing greatness of knowing him. In the end, the world finds that those things that were meant to replace God will only bring emptiness and pain.
In the Bible, David wanted to pass along to his son the faith that he had through his relationship with God. It was his greatest desire that the next generation understands the importance of this primary relationship. He said to his son Solomon:
“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9 (ESV)
Having a relationship with God not only determines the quality of the life that is lived, but also our eternal destiny. Jesus said:
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3 (ESV)
When we believe in Christ and become more like him in our nature and life, we begin the journey that will go well beyond our present time on earth. Eternity will be the culmination of making the decision to know him in an intimate way presently.
How? God tells us that if we will seek to know Him and search with all of our hearts, we will find Him. His desire is for us to open our eyes to the reality that He is present in our lives. He has always been actively reminding us of His love for us. The writer of Proverbs states:
…yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:3–5 (ESV)
The pursuit of God in this journey called life is our highest calling and priority. Otherwise, we can be distracted by things that are fleeting….money, career, success, power, and prestige. Any earthly endeavor that demands our time and energy over our relationship with God is not worth it.
Blessings,
Chad
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