My Pursuit of Christ

I have had a handful of people recently ask for me to share a bit more of my heart in relationship to my own pursuit of our precious Savior. Although I am no where near being "complete" in Christ my prayer is that you would be encouraged and spurred on towards Him.

The apostle Paul seems to say it the best in Philippians 3:7-14, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Pressing on Toward the Goal. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Over the past month I have studied the book of Philippians and come to a more humbling reality of the cross of Christ and the pursuit I have been called to as a child of Him. The goal of my life, both God's goal and my own heartfelt desire is Christ-likeness. Although this side of heaven I will never be "perfect" as Paul says above, or complete as James speaks of, it is never the less the pursuit of my life.

It is interesting as I look back over my own walk with the Lord and see God's sanctifying process taking place in my life. From trials and tests to blessings and abundant provision I am constantly humbled by and in awe of the hand of the Sovereign One. God's providence has led me to where I am today and I am so grateful. I have found in my own walk with Him 7 things that have helped me to "work out my salvation" as He works in me.

1. Being SATURATED in the Truth I can honestly say that growth in Him is a slow process apart from the daily pursuit of this very thing. It took a while before I realized the importance and NECCESITY for my being in the Word each and every day. It is the food my Spirit longs for and NEEDS in order to not only grow but to live.

2. CONTINUAL Prayer Prayer is a privilege, something I realize more and more. It is by this very thing that the God of the universe meets us. I am more humbled by how God answers prayers in His will so powerfully. Daily prayer is SO important but there is also a NEED for constant prayer, throughout the day.

3. SOLID Teaching I am blessed to be at a church, Compass Bible Church, that faithfully preaches the Truth. It is so important to be in a church that promotes a high view of God and preaches boldly. Sitting under this teaching increases your growth and sanctification. Along these same lines I find much benefit in listening to sermons on an almost daily basis by men of God that I revere and respect, who walk in HIM!

4. Accountability/ Christian Fellowship It is crucial to be in constant contact with others in the family of God. I have found that accountability is not only fruitful but necessary and the blessing in Christian friendship is so rich. There is so much truth to Jesus' explanation in the Gospels that His true mother and brothers are actually those in God's family.

5. Christian Literature I had never been a huge reader until I read Tozer's "Knowledge of the Holy". It was during my time studying this book that I realized the benefit and blessing there is in reading good Christian books. Since then I have sought to read excellent Christian literature on a regular basis. God has blessed us with so many resources and we must take advantage of them!

6. THINK TRUTH Like the psalmist in Psalm 52 it is so important to preach Truth to yourself and not listen to yourself. Philippians 4:8 is a great passage about this very thing. I have found so much peace in doing this through especially the tough times in my life.

7. Thinking on Heaven If my eyes are fixed on the eternal (Matthew 6:33) my heart will be too. I seek to store up treasures in heaven, to remind myself of the hope I have and to pray MARANATHA continually!

I am excited for the work God is doing in my life and am expectant of what He will continue to do to make me more like Christ. I know that the road will be marked by trial and blessing but I am confident that He will be holding me all the way. And I look forward more than anything to His imminent return!