I’ve been mediating on Paul’s statement the last few days.
“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” (Phil 3:8)
It seems to me that Paul is saying no earthy treasure compares to Christ and knowing Him. He is our treasure. Therefore, if we count all our worldly treasures rubbish for the sake of knowing Christ, then the world would consider Christ to be a treasure because we’ve made Him look like one.
I definitely consider Christ a treasure, and move so, I long for others to know what a treasure He is as well. But that depends on me. I must make God look good. I must live in such a way that others want my Treasure. Sometimes, in this world, that’s tough to do without being labeled a fanatic for living a holy life.
I’ve found people who are content with living a self pleasing life usually ask the wrong question. They ask, “What’s wrong with it…watching that movie, listening to that music, playing that game? What’s wrong with wearing that outfit, shopping at that store, or spending every weekend at the cabin?”
The trouble with asking, “What’s wrong with it” is it implies that Christians live by a list of do’s and don’ts. And who wants to live that way? Not me!
The truth is there are some movies and some music we can listen to and still go to heaven. We can dress stylish without being provocative, and its okay to get away for the weekend every now and then. In fact, I’d recommend it.
I suppose I shouldn’t focus on their question but rather focus on what I should be asking myself in order to make God look good.
How about something like… “How will this decision help me treasure Christ more? How will this choice help me know Christ more and make him known to others? How will doing this thing show others that I treasure Christ above all else?” Perhaps if I ask these questions more often I’ll succeed in showing Christ off as the treasure He is.
Danielle says
These are some of the very thoughts I've been asking myself lately. I want people to see Christ in me… see Who He is and what He has for them. It's not about material possessions, but the eternal possession of heaven.
Thank you, Micca, for putting this all together in far better words than I ever could!
amykat says
Thank you for this post. What a change in my perspective!
And oh how I pray that He would be my one and only treasure.