” 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.” Philippians 3:7-8
When a person truly believes in God than living for Him is not difficult but rather comes out on its own. The bible tells us that a person who is not fully submitted to God is in the flesh thus can’t see God’s way (1 Cor. 2:14). To these people the risk is too great so they turn to themselves. As we make daily decisions to pursue God above all else, He rewards us with His presence. God is the power that turns our hearts from the trinkets of this world to experience His love and become willing to suffer for Christ knowing that you are making not just a good decision but the best.
Everything that we give up may seem to us to be so important because we look on it with our natural eyes which are temporal and selfish. But if we see things as God does and see it in His love, we can be sure that what God is offering is far superior to what we can get here no matter how successful one may be. Paul understood this too and he also had worldly success, being raised in privilege, educated by the best and being zealous to no end yet when he met Christ everything changed. All he wanted was to know God and please Him.
The person of Christ is so wonderfully amazing that both Moses and Paul and hundreds of others have tossed aside this life to be found in Christ through obedience to His perfect will. These people were able to give it all up for Christ and endure all kinds of troubles because they believe in who Christ is. They knew that the world and all its sin could not compare. They came to see that no matter how much they suffered here for Christ knowing Him personally was far greater. Do you have this point of view? If not is God not enough?
” I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ” Romans 8:18
The decision of whether a person comes to meet this Christ is solely based on how willing we are to let go of ourselves. If we hold to this life in anyway, we dilute His presence and will surely get entangled in sin. We will be drawn away like Solomon in his old age (1 Kings 11:1-5). But to those who make the decision “It is Christ or nothing” God reveals to them His glory and love in power. Then with endurance they too will come to understand like Moses that Jesus is worth everything. They will not walk the easy (broad) way but take the narrow way (Matt. 7:13-14).
It is easy to push this topic aside and ignore it. When we do, we continue to lose life rather than gain it as we have chosen the world over Christ. We are robbed and don’t see it. We may succeed here but not have much there or even lose our salvation. For this reason, it is vital to diligently ask God prayerfully if there is something/someone you love more than Him. He must be our first love (Rev.2:4-5). Each Christian must make their own decision. We should seek him. Pursue this till you receive the truth. God will meet you and guide you if you are sincere.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8