“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,” Philippians 3:7-8

So many in life start this race with great speed, seeking to do good; they run, eagerly searching for the way to obtain eternal life and unfortunately find that they are not truly willing to let go of this world’s riches. “And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” Mark 10:24

The account of the rich young ruler in Mark Chapter ten is indictive of one seeking the way to obtain eternal life and turns away because of the inability to release the things of this world. “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17. The young man knew that Jesus was “good” for he called Jesus “Good Master” or good teacher; but Jesus points Him to His deity as being Elohim, Creator God, who alone is good… He was relaying to the young ruler that yes, I am your good master, and all good things flow from me. I Am all that you need to obtain eternal life.

Then, the true test came when Jesus instructed him to go and sell all that he had and come follow him. He sadly walked away because he had numerous riches. His trust was placed in the things of this world…he was unable to turn loose of what was in his hand to take hold of riches far greater in heaven and therefore, suffered the greatest loss of all, the gift of eternal life.

What are you trusting in today- your job status, spouse, 401K, illustrious home, youthfulness, and mental ability? throughout the pandemic, we have witness that absolutely none of these things sustain life. God has forced us to take introspection of things far beyond what we have in this finite existence; the spiritual gifts of love, unspeakable joy, inner peace, the ability to be longsuffering, merciful, compassionate to others and above all God’s amazing grace will last forever.

My friends, the cost of discipleship is self-denial; taking hold to Christ and allowing Him to richly dwell within us so that we follow where He leads. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:7-8 “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,” Of all he had obtained or was born in to; he disregarded it all as nothing, so that he may know Christ and Him crucified, to have treasures stored in heaven where he would spend eternity.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17. No matter what we have…it originated with God. To Him we must give the glory and recognize that only in Him can we have true peace and everlasting life.

It is a fact that we cannot truly begin to live, until we are willing to release all that we think we have and accept the innumerous spiritual blessings that God has in store for us. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Let go and let God have His way in your life today and always!