Isaiah 45-48; Phil. 3

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 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 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.”

Philippians 3:7-9 NIV

As I read the words above, I am sitting on my front porch in the cool of the morning. The sun is up and filtering through the trees. Traffic is light out on the main road and all seems well. I love this time of day. Time to sit, reflect, read and drink coffee. It can feel perfect. I want to just sit in this moment all day. But…I can’t. I have errands to run, people to meet and work to do.

In my comfort I struggle to consider it a loss for the sake of Christ. I don’t know about you, but I like comfort. I like financial security, I like beautiful days, I like air conditioning, I like enough food on the table, I like a car with enough gas. Life is good!! And in that, I am a minority. My reality is very far from the majority of people in this world. It’s even further from the reality that Paul was in when he wrote these words

Paul was in prison. Suffering and yet counting it joy for the sake of Christ. I used to think that I had to suffer in order to fully understand Paul’s words. The reality is, however, that we all suffer in some way because we live in a fallen broken world. So how do Paul’s words…God’s words…change me?

For me…I look at my foundation and my support.

• Am I clinging to momentary comfort or to Christ?
• Is my faith in Christ dependent on comfort, or on Him?
• How do I use my comfort for the sake of Christ, just as I use my suffering?

I know I get this wrong more times than I get it right. I’m eternally grateful for the grace of Christ and His work that continues in my imperfection.

How can you firm up your foundation in Christ today?

Father, thank you for your words, your direction, your grace and your righteousness. Continue to work in and through us as we seek to cling to you and stand on you as our foundation. May our lives speak of you and your goodness and mercy and salvation.

Amen

Mandy (mkaybaldwin)

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