Philippians 3:7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

From here through the end of the chapter is a magnificent exposition of Christian values and priorities. All the things the world values – power, prestige, money, physical pleasures – totally pale in comparison to knowing Christ, through whom all things were created and who yet gave Himself to die for us. This is what Jesus was talking about in His brief parables of the Pearl of Great Price and the Treasure in the Field. (Matthew 13:44-46) He called it the Kingdom of Heaven, but Christ is the kingdom, since He is the King. Until we understand the value of Christ and His kingdom, things will be out of balance in our lives. It was this awareness that enabled Peter, when his wife was being crucified in front of him, to cry out, “Remember Jesus!” He then went on to tell his executioners that he was unworthy to die in the same way as Jesus, so they crucified him upside down. I don’t think he remembered that suffering when he shortly afterward stood before his Lord in glory! The better we understand what and Who awaits us, the way Paul and Peter did, the less things on this earth will be able to shake us. Jesus was very clear that in this world we would have trouble, (John 16:33) but what comes after is so magnificent as to make it all insignificant. That’s why Paul could write to the Corinthians, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) Neither the positives nor the negatives of this life have much weight compared to the next life in Christ!

This is an awareness and conviction that thankfully has grown in me over the years. As Bill Gaither wrote, “The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.” It has been and continues to be a magnificent privilege to walk closer and closer with my Lord even in this life, and I can hardly wait to experience what it will be like with none of the things of this world in the way. In this life we have physical and emotional pain, but He will wipe away every tear. (Revelation 7:17, 21:4) I have absolutely nothing to fear, because I know the love of God in Christ Jesus. (1 John 4:18) The thing is, I’m not yet perfect in that, and besides, few of the people around me know it at all. I have plenty to do, including growing spiritually, for as long as the Lord keeps me here, so I need to do it with joy, as unto Him. (Colossians 3:23)

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for yesterday and all it held. Thank You that I now have a schedule for when this mess with my urinary system will be dealt with, and that it’s not next month! Thank You for getting us to Costco and back safely (an hour each way) and for guiding our purchases. Thank You for all that You have planned for today, and for the assurance that You will enable me to do everything You ask of me. Help me keep the goal in mind at all times, so that indeed, nothing will shake me. Thank You. Praise God!