What really counts - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

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.
Philippians 3:8

What really counts
A Bible study for young Christians was about priorities in life. The message to us was powerful: “Don’t waste your time on meaningless goals. Rather, reach out for what really counts.”

Then each of us was given five sheets of paper. On each sheet we were to write down a fundamental goal of our lives: in the areas of relationships, achievements, dreams – anything that was important to us. It was not easy for me to set five essential intentions. I had to think for a long time before I could write them down.

When we had finished, the Christian who led the youth lesson explained: “Now limit your life goals to four. Take a leaf away and throw it into the bonfire.” So, he continued until I was left with only one piece of paper on which I had written down the goal that was most important to me.

This experience raised questions in me: Am I, like Paul, willing to recognise the Lord Jesus above all else, even if I have to give up something to do so? Is that really my first goal?

Although this is not easy and it costs us something, let us set our hearts on this goal and “throw into the fire” everything that keeps us from it. Let us do as Paul did: “But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14).

Today’s reading: Deuteronomy 14:22-15:6 · Matthew 26:31-46