The value of garbage is still zero
Value what is most valuable
Philipians 3:7-8
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ”
The question is simple: Do we value what is most valuable?
3 question to help us discover what we value
1. What people, activities, or things consume most of our time?
2. What rouses our emotions (anger, joy, etc)?
3. What do we require to feel happy, secure, or fulfilled?
Smaller when kneeling
My love for Christ always looks larger when I stand than when I am on my knees. Standing, my discernment is blurred in a haze of pride. On my knees, “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). When that word discerns the thoughts and intentions of my heart, my love for Christ loses its inflated appearance.
God and self have rival views
Dare we ask God, not ourself, how He views our passions that compete for His throne in our life? I’ve been giving myself favorable answers lately about several areas of life. God is breaking me. I had been valuing refuse out of the garbage heap.
Can you think of another way to discover what you value? I appreciate your thoughts.
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Related posts:
- Once a stock trader – The Value of Garbage is Still Zero (Part 4)
- The Value of Garbage is Still Zero (Part 2)
- The Value of Garbage is Still Zero (Part 3)
Daniel, good use of questions! I’ve found questions to be great prompts when you are trying to guide thinking. Anytime you can add “If…then…” prompts so people can evaluate their answers or take actions based on their answers, even better.
I would imagine the choices we make for our “disposable income” would also reveal something about our values. When you have spending money, how do you use it? What do you obtain with it?
Kevin, thanks for stopping by!
Great point, “disposable income” does reveal something about our values. Another useful indicator display warning signs that may call for a deeper look.
[...] Related posts: The value of garbage is still zero (Part 1) [...]
I too like your use of questions to stimulate thought. What I like to do is ask myself (in reference to questions such as you suggest), “What is my response to my own answers?”
Example: Someone cuts me off in traffic, making me swerve or stamp my brake pedal. My kneejerk reaction is to call him an idiot, to get angry. Then I ask “Why?” Not why do I get angry–that’s obvious: he interrupted my delusion of being in control of my life. Rather, I question why God sent or allowed this intrusion into my life at this moment. The answers vary and are often multiple, usually resulting in prayer, quite often for the offending party. Such incidents are great conversation starters when others are in the car with me.
About disposable income: I no longer recognize the term. When the Lord purchased me with His blood, He bought me wholly, including all I possess. I still try to manage my income and material goods wisely, but always with His glory and pleasure in mind. Nothing is mine; all is His. I seek His wisdom regarding all disposals. It is a great joy and not a burden.