Loss

"I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus." -Philippians 3:8

What Paul considers a loss are things he was glad to get rid of!  He says the surpassing greatness of Christ Jesus far exceeds anything he gave up in order to follow Christ.  Some of the things we "give up" are:  the need to compare ourselves to others; needing approval from others; the stress of acquiring "things" that require us to work 60 hours a week to keep and maintain; fear of death; ___________(fill in the blank).

Seven years ago we lost the top of the Blue Spruce that stands close to the house.  Rather than cut it down because I couldn't bear to part with it, we've watched it slowly die from the ground up.  We've cut off so many dead limbs that we have a clear view behind it now.  Only a small portion is green at the top.  Sooner or later the tree will fall on the house if we don't do something about it.

What in your life do you need to "count as loss" because it is keeping you from experiencing the fullness of Christ?  Something, that once removed, no longer stands to wreak havoc in your life?

I am grateful that "my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26)