More than All the Treasures of this Life!
By Pastor Aggrey Soyekwo
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ.” (Philipians 3:7-8 KJV )
Apostle Paul enumerated several qualities, privileges and accomplishments that could make him proud of himself. He was a very religious Pharisee in the strictest sense, well educated under some of the best scholars of his day, very knowlegeable and zealous for the law, prominent, and a host of other proud achievements attached to His name. He was a very successful man by any standards of his day.
But his story and perspective totally changed one day on the Damascus road when he encountered Christ Jesus in His glory. The things he formerly treasured and was proud of, now appeared like dung to him compared to the surpassing knowledge of Jesus. He found something far greater, more glorious than any earthly treasure he had known before; knowing Jesus Christ the Lord. Henceforth, anything else didn’t matter, including his own life. No wonder he declared in Romans 8:38-39; “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” He had seen the King of glory. Nothing could stand in his way any more.
Many of our struggles for achievement and recognition in life are so that we can feel good, fulfilled and probably live happy lives. Noble as these may be, it’s important to know that there is something far greater, splendid and more satisfying than them: finding and making Jesus the Lord of your life. He gives joy, peace, meaning and purpose to life that no earthly treasure can give. The glories of this life that we admire excite but alittle. They don’t meet the deepest human need that only God our Creator gives.
Friends, in Christ Jesus is hidden all treasures of knowledge and wisdom, peace and joy unknown to those outside Him, or operating superficially in Him. The best of the best that this world offers, that people spent their entire lives on, is but a climpse into the vast treasures God has for us in Christ Jesus. The day you truly discover it, you will understand why Paul spoke the way he did. And the good news is that it’s accessible to anyone who chooses the Lordship of Jesus over their lives and continues in Him. You can do now wherever you are.
- Shalom children of God. Have a great Sunday