Daily Reflections, Thursday, January 10, 2008

Today's Scripture: Philippians 3:1-14

Christians are supposed to desire less and yet want more. What do I mean? This is a seeming contradiction. How can we be content with what we’ve got and yet be discontented at the same time?

Let me explain. Christians are to resist the corrosive effects of greed upon their souls. This is the lust for more that so pervades our culture. More money. More power. More influence.

And yet we’re to desire more of what really satisfies. More of God. This was the Apostle Paul’s attitude. As he sat chained to a guard on house arrest, he cried out for more. But not more relief from his woes, but more of God. His life’s goal was to know Jesus intimately.

The problem with American Christians is that we often have it backwards. We want less of Christ and more of the material blessings we think we’re entitled to. We want our neighbor’s car, his job, his house.

Ironically, the cure for our greed is just what Paul strove for. More of Christ. The closer we draw to the Savior, the more we drink in his spiritual blessings, the less we’ll be enticed by fading, fleeting possessions.

Today, make this your goal. Seek less of the world and more of your God.

Today's Quote:  The cure for our greed is just what Paul strove for—more of Christ.