As we walk away from Jerusalem with the Disciples back to Galilee (where it all began and must begin again) I'm posting my Lenten devotionals in reverse. Most of them.
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Privilege
Philippians 3:4b-14
Boasting is not something that comes naturally to me. In fact, I'm a little leery whenever someone starts telling me all their accomplishments without provocation.
But what if someone asks me about my family? My job? My church or school? I can gush. Just a bit.
In Philippians 3 Paul addresses the desire of the church to know his credentials. He boasts! But then he throws a twist that gives new perspective to just how much all that is worth to him.
Paul says anything he may have gained in this life is worthless in light of knowing Jesus.
Could you imagine if someone said, "Yeah, I'm as great as they come. I have a great family, great house, drive a Volvo, and have a fantastic job that I love - but I gave that all away for Christ."
You and I might flinch at such a statement and think, "Oh, Mrs/Mr. Holier-than-thou, aren't you special!" but I think the majority of our discomfort is that it rubs us that we feel we cannot do the same. Do we not feel a tinge of discomfort when we proclaim Christ with our lips and find someone who does it with their lives? All the things listed above are not bad but they just aren't as good as what Christ has in store for us.
May we all be able to boast that we've given up a little bit more today for Christ.
Prayer:
Giver of every good and precious gift:
We have been blessed with so much.
May we learn to give those blessings away
to receive even greater life in you Christ.
Amen.
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