July 8, 2016

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:12-14 Message

He counted everything as “loss” to knowing Christ: his birthright .. his accomplishments .. his titles and positions .. his status .. anything that stood between Jesus and himself. Christ had found him and filled his life with more than anything he could ever achieve. Paul’s words become our words: “So let’s keep focused..”. You can’t live in Christ by yourself. The gift of His life connects you to others who walk alongside as friends .. brothers .. and sisters. Otherwise all the “things” of the past and present will slowly inch their way into your heart and try to attach themselves to Christ. You know whether you are holding on to areas of your life too closely in order to protect yourself against hurt .. disappointment .. or rejection. It’s easy to do. It’s easy to live all by yourself and yet appear as belonging with others. Few will question you or ask how you are “really” doing in  your life. The question isn’t about you as  much as it is about Christ in you. Is there space for Him .. margin for your life ..and room for others? Paul didn’t force such a rule on others. He simply lived his life out in the open with Jesus and invited anyone to join him. He knew what was behind him. That was not life. What was in front of him was what gave his life space to love God all out. He wasn’t turning back … Christ was out front … It only takes a moment …

“So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” Philippians 3:15-16 Message

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to Letting-go and Taking-hold followers of Jesus (kchesterp1@gmail.com)