DAY EIGHTEEN: Monday
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—
4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:
5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;
6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. (Phil. 3:1-7 ESV)
My beloved,
If you want to celebrate in something, rejoice in me. If you want to boast about something, boast about me.
I’m not trying to be egotistical. I’m just trying to be real.
You can celebrate what you’ve done. Or you can celebrate what I’ve done. You can boast about your resume. Or you can boast about my resume.
If you decide to delight in your deeds, you’re in for a disappointment. Because there’ll always be someone whose trophy case is bigger than yours. There’ll always be someone with a higher pay-grade or bigger stage. And that’s going to leave your festivities flat. There won’t be much pizzaz in your party because it’ll be overshadowed by the deeds of others.
In addition, while your curriculum vitae may have some praiseworthy points, it’s also got some linsidious items. Frankly, you’ve got as much reason to lament as you do to laugh. When you’re really honest about what’s on your record–the good, the ugly and the bad–it’s hardly worth a party.
But if you’ll keep your eye on what I’ve done, you’ll have high spirits every day.
Grace and peace,
Jesus
