All Things: The World Values
Whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him..
Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:7-14 (NASB)
How can non-believers defend themselves and RESIST all the world’s tempting offers? What defense can they wage against Satan? The king of con is an expert salesman!
When BUCKS, BLING, and FAME seem so wonderful, when MUSCLES and TITLES seem to lift us, why wouldn't most people want to have them?
On the other Hand (namely, our Father’s), what's OUR excuse to worship THEIR idols?
Consider young Saul: the brilliant Pharisee with a future! When he met the One more brilliant than he, Saul gave it all up. Nothing in the world tempted Saul (now Paul).
Not his rising stardom among the Jews.
Not his rank as a Roman citizen.
Not any of the perks he might enjoy.
Speaking for myself, I haven't (yet) matched Paul's rejection of materialism. I’ve given up much, but need to give more. Because the narrow path and upward climb to higher places require a light load.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
You were custom-designed to rise and shine! Within you, I've seen something quite startling. Much like Paul, you refuse to lust for stuff.
Big homes and fancy cars don't enchant you.
Your assets grow in a bank beyond Earth.
Your simplicity is godly and cool!
Because your goal is “showing off” Jesus, you’re modeling The Truth… BEAUTIFULLY! And…
Because happiness can’t be found in bling, but IS found in uniting with your King. Paul put it this way:
'Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows' (1 Timothy 6:6-10).
Jesus sums it up: 'What people value highly is detestable in God's Sight' (Luke 16:15).
All Things: The World Values (Part 17)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.