COUNTED AMOUNG THE LOSERS!
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord . [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
So many times when we first look at something we form an opinion based on the way we, as human's see it.
How often we miss something that could be a wonderful blessing simply because of how we have been influenced to see it.
In his letter to the Philippian Church Paul would instruct them to train theirselves to see things in the light of how God sees things.
Philippians 3:4-8 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: [5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; [6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. [7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. [8] 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,
When we look at all that Paul had and the road to success he was on, it's easy to question why he would lay it all aside, just walk away from everything he had worked for.
To most people of his day, Paul walked away form:
ONE: His personal heritage.
He was a Pharisee, from the tribe of Benjamin. His birthright promised him a bright future.
TWO: The Law of the Pharisee's.
He was trained in the Law by the greatest teachers and finest schools of his day. possibly on the path to become the High Priest someday.
THREE: The applause of other men because of his zeal to destroy the early Church.
Yes, Paul was in the spotlight of very powerful men. They were singing his praises. He had won the approval of those who would help him on his road to success.
FOUR: Paul would walk away from all this just to follow the ideas of a man who had been crucified by the Romans.
Yes, by worldly standards Paul made a series of really bad choices. But if we take just a m moment to search out why he would choose a change of direction, we see that God was the final prize Paul was after.
As Christians, go ahead and let the world call you weak, dumb, and out of touch by following an antiquated religion. But when we all stand before God on that final exam, we will hear the greatest words ever spoken.
Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
