Day 15 - Counting

Philippians 3:8
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

In order to reach a level of excellence in any area of development, there is a need for focus that disallows any distractions. Practice of an instrument doesn’t accomplish very much when combined with social media interaction. Studying for an exam isn’t maximized while watching a game on tv. Even a momentary distraction while driving can result in a damaging collision. The greater the level of excellence to be achieved, the greater will be the need for eliminating alternatives, and sometimes altogether. It’s like the example I remember my Dad giving of the person who, after hearing a virtuoso piano performance, told the pianist that they would ‘give anything to play like that’. To which the pianist replied, “I ­­have given everything.” Those at the top of their area of expertise are there because of what they have disallowed.

Knowing Christ is an excellency that especially requires this distraction-eliminating focus. That we are able to know Him at all is amazing, but the more this opportunity is seen for what it really is, anything that would divert from growing in this knowledge is devalued and discarded. Especially when rewarding discoveries are made as a result of this process, any additional discarding is welcomed. While knowing Him is available to all, it will be just like that pianist, the ones who really know Him will be those who have given everything to do so.  

Meditation

Fasting:

"My heart is firmly established and unafraid of any threats as the fear of God and delight for His ways is its ruling influence .”
Psalm 112:7-8

Praise:

"My heart greatly rejoices in the Lord who has rescued me and made me strong against all my enemies."
1 Samuel 2:1

Identity:

“No weapon that comes against me will hurt me in any way and anything that is spoken against me will be condemned because my righteousness is of the Lord.”
Isaiah 54:17

Understanding:

"As a son of God I am confidently led by His Spirit."
Romans 8:14 

Wholeness:

" The fear of God that secures my heart and directs my life is health to my flesh and strength to my bones.”
Proverbs 3:7-8

Provision:

“All the promises blessings of Abraham have become mine in Christ.”
2 Corinthians 1:20

Song - Focus