Day 10: May 14Scripture: Philippians 3:7-11 You and I live in a world that values success above all else. One is successful by becoming wealthy, powerful, influential, and a media star. Having paparazzi follow your every move, being featured in “People” magazine, etc. etc.—is the world’s version of someone who has “made it.” But the other side of this “success” is the constant fear of losing—losing the interest of the public, failing at a venture, losing your wealth, looks, status. The smiling face on People magazine may hide the intense panic and loneliness of someone who lives in constant fear of rejection and loss. Paul, as a young man, had been on a fast track of success. He was a member of the “in” crowd among his peers, had an education, and was widely seen as an up and coming leader. But then, on his way to Damascus, he met Jesus. And suddenly all the things that had been so important became…garbage. He now writes of his desire to share in the sufferings of Christ and hopes to then share in a new life with the risen Savior. Our fulfillment, becoming whom God has intended us to be, depends on our letting go of the world’s standards of “success” in order to take on the “resurrection power” of Jesus Christ. We do this by letting go of worldly definitions and accept the inevitable suffering that comes from loving others. We accept a way of suffering and service that was shown in the way Jesus lived. In doing this, we are freed from the anxiety of having to meet unreal worldly standards of success. Instead we adopt a way of life that is not dictated by the world, but is given to us in the love that Jesus shared. We let go of feeling like we have to prove ourselves and take on a life of love and service—even when it inevitably means suffering. And we will find a new sense of meaning, joy and freedom; because we have left the rat race, the fast track—for the new life with our Lord and Savior. We have nothing to prove but we have everything to gain by accepting a new life in Christ. Roy P. White |