Do You Have A Veneer In Place?

Philippians 3:7 “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.”

Think with me for a moment of some of your greatest accomplishments in life, things that you've worked hard for. Has it left you with a sense of satisfaction and pride? Paul had lived the majority of his life seeking to gain God's approval. He came from the right nation (Israel), the right race (Hebrews), the right sect (Pharisee); he had the right drive (zeal). He was always current on his sacrifices and he was painstakingly righteous. He was a giant in the religious circles of the day yet He is telling us here that none of that means anything compared to obtaining the all surpassing knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. Later in scripture he actually calls his accomplishments garbage. The word used here means manure, ugh. These so called accomplishments were in all actuality "weights" that were keeping Him from a meaningful relationship with Jesus.

If we are not careful, legalism can trump grace but it is grace that frees us to be able to live a life free from the power of sin and death. Under grace, nothing depends on our human achievements or our self confidence. There is a disillusionment that occurs when we depend on religion, morality and character to appease a righteous God. It is not acceptable to Him. Our accomplishments become a veneer that actually distances us and keeps us from truly knowing Him. Been there done that, I can relate and it saddens me.

One thing that keeps me grounded is to remember that I am incapable of doing anything of any value to the Kingdom apart from God. Apart from Him, I am nothing. John 15:5 says "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." Whatever it is that I am capable of doing is only because God has enabled me to do it and it is He that is deserving of all the glory it affords. My life's ambition has drastically changed from years ago and I live in humble adoration to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who has given me a new lease on life. He is the reason that I sing. He is the reason that my joy can abound despite all that life throws at me. He is the reason that I am able to walk with my chin up smiling at the world in the utter chaos that it is in because I know that He is able to sustain me through it all.

My dear friend, are you still depending on your achievements to give value to your life? Your status, your position, your parental success, your financial wealth, your education, or your accolades from peers will never be enough. If your life is not Christ centered then I want to challenge you to stand back and take inventory. You will never be content or at peace apart from the living God because it is truly because of Him that we can live in peace with ourselves and others and move about in this fallen world. We can't get away from Him. (Acts 17:28) The creator of the universe seeks a loving relationship with you not for what you can bring to the table but because He absolutely loves the YOU He has created! Won't you stop striving and rest in the goodness of His grace?

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Personalize this prayer!

Dear Lord,

I stand amazed in Your presence because I know that I am not worthy to be here. I love You. Thank You for refocusing my life and giving me another chance. May all that I say and do glorify You and if for some reason I fail to acknowledge Your greatness, correct my ways. You have given me breath and life and there is nothing that will ever compare to the peace that I have and the love that I feel. Help me to walk worthy of my calling as Your child and show me how to be able to impact the lives of others for your Kingdom's sake. You have raised me up so that I can walk on heights unimaginable and live above the ills of this fallen world and I can never repay You. Use me according to all that You desire.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

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