More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, (Philippians 3:8 NAS)
We have read heart-warming stories of men and women giving up their careers to become pastors, ministers or preachers. We have also heard or known some who have left the ministry. Surrendering our all to pursue the one or things we seek or something we consider of great value or importance is to some a calling.
Counting our cost before committing ourselves to the pursuit of what we want in life or our calling is important as well as wisdom.
“For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?” Jesus said. “Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’” (Luke 14:28-30 NAS)
The call to discipleship demands that we be willing to surrender our all for something greater. In the case of the apostle Paul, when the Lord called him, he gave up his pursuit in the Law as a Pharisee. Whatever things were gain to him, he count as loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing his Lord (Luke 14:33; Philippians 3:5-8).
What about us? Are we willing and ready to surrender our all for the Lord and His purpose? Or are we giving our all to the pursuit of things on earth that we deem of greater value?
Let us seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all that we need He will give to us. If, therefore, His will becomes our will, there is nothing for us to be afraid of because God is our strength. Surely, He will help us and uphold us with His righteous right hand (Matthew 6:33; Isaiah 41:10).
Thank You, dear Lord, for the assurance that You will supply all our needs when we seek first Your kingdom and righteousness. Help us set our priorities right in our pursuit of the things we seek or consider of great value or importance. Grant us a willing heart that esteems Your will above our will, for Your will we seek to fulfill as we surrender our all to You.
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