Day 99/260: Read Philippians 3

How important are your accomplishments to you? Did you graduate at the top of your class? Did you get a scholarship to the school of your choice? Do you own your own business? Do you live comfortably with more than enough money set aside for retirement?

All of these things are good, and there is certainly nothing wrong with striving for success in this world…as long as it does not hinder your journey to heaven.

Saul of Tarsus had everything a Jewish male desired when it came to status. He had fulfilled his duties as they related to the Old Law and was a zealous Pharisee, persecuting the church that threatened the Jewish way of life. But when he learned the truth, he was willing to set all of that aside. “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.”

In eternity, your grade point average does not matter. God doesn’t care which college gave you a diploma, or how many employees are under your rule. Your bank account means little to the Lord if you’re not using it in His service.

Perhaps the most impactful statement of Paul in this chapter is this: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Don’t let the things of this life pull you away from your ultimate goal: eternity in heaven. Everything we do in this life, including the opportunities we have in this country, must be done with our eternal citizenship in mind.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Philippians 2:4. Let each of you __________ out not only for his own __________, but also for the __________ of others.

Pray

Pray for perspective in keeping first things first.