It's All Garbage
It’s All Garbage
Scripture
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Devotion
There are so many things that I thought would complete my life or some how fulfill me. When I was 12 it was a pair of Airwalk skate shoes. When I was 16 It was my first car. When I was in college, it was the right girl (it was Taylor). Since those days there has always been another thing. I just needed the best job, right spouse, perfect house, and other peoples adoration; that would make me feel whole. At very least I needed the Packers to win the Super Bowl in my lifetime (which they have…twice.)
It turns out that none of that is true. I know because I got all of it, and none of it has ever fulfilled me the way trusting each and everyday to Jesus has. Paul is a little more straight forward, “I consider it all garbage…” It’s easy to forget that everything that we could ever accomplish or obtain in this life pales in comparison to having an eternal relationship with Jesus and a purpose in His Kingdom.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t enjoy this life, and neither is Paul, but I don’t want to forget how precious it is to find mercy, how remarkable it is to know true forgiveness, or how supremely privileged I am to know my creator as a friend.
I don’t want to ever choose garbage instead of grace.
What a friend we have in Jesus.
-Pastor Mitch
Discussion Questions
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you. I am so grateful to know you and be known by you. Help me choose you above all else, for your glory and for my good. Amen.
Scripture
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Devotion
There are so many things that I thought would complete my life or some how fulfill me. When I was 12 it was a pair of Airwalk skate shoes. When I was 16 It was my first car. When I was in college, it was the right girl (it was Taylor). Since those days there has always been another thing. I just needed the best job, right spouse, perfect house, and other peoples adoration; that would make me feel whole. At very least I needed the Packers to win the Super Bowl in my lifetime (which they have…twice.)
It turns out that none of that is true. I know because I got all of it, and none of it has ever fulfilled me the way trusting each and everyday to Jesus has. Paul is a little more straight forward, “I consider it all garbage…” It’s easy to forget that everything that we could ever accomplish or obtain in this life pales in comparison to having an eternal relationship with Jesus and a purpose in His Kingdom.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t enjoy this life, and neither is Paul, but I don’t want to forget how precious it is to find mercy, how remarkable it is to know true forgiveness, or how supremely privileged I am to know my creator as a friend.
I don’t want to ever choose garbage instead of grace.
What a friend we have in Jesus.
-Pastor Mitch
Discussion Questions
- What is something that you thought would fulfill you that ultimately fell short of satisfying you?
- When was the last time you took time to tell somebody about how grateful you are to be a follower of Jesus? If it’s been a while, consider telling someone today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you. I am so grateful to know you and be known by you. Help me choose you above all else, for your glory and for my good. Amen.
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