7-9 ....I’m tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung....
For me its convicting. I can't say of done this in my life. I'm not too focused on material things these days, I drive a 10 year minivan we live in a house that is well inside our means, we don't buy expensive clothes or buy exotic stuff. We do spend big bucks racing, but its not something I take 'credit for' as it says here
But I do stay on the treadmill at work. In a job that pays a lot but doesn't fill me, but I'd hate to walk away or accept something I'd perceive as lower. Why? I think I have a certain amount of pride in the level I've achieved and wouldn't want peers to think I'm not worthy or capable, its not something I talk about but deep down its there in my feelings.
I wouldn't want to throw out this status thing 'I take credit for' in my mind even though its only earthly and has no long-term value. I'm not going to sit here and tell you I'm going to take any action on this thought I'm having because I don't think I'm there mentally. But it is a convicting thought running through my head as I read his willingness to put aside anything whether it be physical stuff or status to follow Jesus.
I'm being kind of a Debbie downer this morning, not trying to be. Just reflecting on his maturity in following Christ is at a really high level compared to me.
knut
I can COMPLETELY relate to what you're saying. I had something happen at work that has put that to the test for me. I was asked to take a new assignment. On the surface, it isn't as good of an assignment as the one I had. It seems to all those on-lookers to be a step down. So, I am dealing with people asking me if I've done something wrong...or is it a demotion? It's really fun. But, like you wrote...I've always said that work doesn't define my value. So, I smile and tell people its a good opportunity for me. What I can't really say is that the vision for my new assignment is even bigger than my old job. Its a been a tough one for me to wrestle through. But an eye opening one.
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