DAILY BIBLE DEVOTION

 

LOSS OR GAIN

Paul is telling us and the

Philippians that whatever he has

suffered, whatever he has lost, it is

nothing compared to what he has

gained in Christ. Whenever we

make changes in our lives, we lose

as well as gain. When we move on

from high school to the work force

or to college, we will gain friends

and lose friends. If we change jobs,

we may even lose the ability to see

our families as often as we had

been able to do. If we change our

religion or our religious habits, we

also may lose friends or even

connections with our family

members. Christianity requires

changes in our lifestyle if we are to

be faithful to God's will. Doing the

right thing becomes more

important than hanging out with

friends who can lead you in a

different direction. Attitudes can

change and your behavior with

them. You're no longer the fun

person who likes the dirty jokes

who doesn't complain about foul

language, who won't go to the

X-rated movies, or engage in other

activities contrary to Jesus' law of

love. What is lost, however, is so

much greater, as Paul tells us. Faith

gives us trust in God's promises,

freedom from fear of the future.

We have been made acceptable to

the Father through Christ.

PRAYER

Lord, we have gained so much

because of Christ. May we like Paul

consider all we have lost as

nothing and look only to what we

have now though faith. Amen.