Leave It Behind!

Imagine this: There you are, sitting in a room surrounded by your dearest treasures. This might be actual money—piles of gold and silver—or it might be cherished heirlooms from your family. It might be a special collection you’ve been working on your whole life. Whatever it is, it’s your pride and joy.

And then the word comes: Jesus is here! Come out to meet Him! If you heard that and you knew it was true, wouldn’t you jump up and leave everything behind? Who cares about the treasures now! Our best treasure outside, and He’s waiting for you!

That’s the way Paul feels about all the advantages of his life. Because he definitely had advantages—the best education money could buy; Roman citizenship; impeccable Jewish ancestry; and a stellar reputation for being pious and religious. Who could ask for more?

Paul could. We could. Because nothing compares to Jesus, our Savior. Nothing compares to the One who loves us so much He came down from heaven to find us, to seek us out and bring us home to God’s kingdom. Nothing compares to the One who lay down His own life to make us His own, so that we will share His resurrection life and joy. If we have Jesus, we have everything. That is enough for us.

WE PRAY: Dearest Lord, keep my eyes and my heart set on You. Amen.

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Reflection Questions:

1. Name one thing that you hold very dear (apart from Jesus!).

2. Are there any things in your life which might elbow Jesus out of the highest place in your love?

3. How can you stay ready to “leave it all” if necessary for Jesus’ sake?