By Rev. Michael Mwangi
Senior Pastor, Fedha Church KAG
Philippians(NIV) 3:7-14
[7]But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
[8]What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
[9]and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
[10]I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
[11]and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
[12]Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
[13]Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
[14]I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
- Although Paul had a great ministry, he also underwent great trials and suffering but he remained focused on God. He was not swayed by ministry or suffering. He never lost sight of what is the most important thing in his life and worked on it
- When the year started, majority of people had their plans and priorities set. They had set everything in order and as Christian our main priority and focus was God. We had set times and programs that will keep us in focus until Covid-19 came and everything came down crumbling down. Without the usual church services and disrupted lives, it easier to find ourselves drifting from God as we focus on our immediate problems.
- It's true Covid-19 has affected every dimensions of our lives including the way we worship. Life is never the same. It has disrupted and disoriented our usual mode of worship and lifestyle in general.
- Covid-19 brought a lot of confusion and problems suddenly that no one anticipated or prepared for- it threw everybody of the balance as it fought us off-guard.
- A crisis indeed. In the midst of this crisis, it is very easy to lose focus on God as we try to bring pieces of life together. We are caught up trying to understand what is happening and also facing the reality of life.
- Issues of importance and urgency are mixed up with the pressure of life getting worse. we are clouded all over and lost in the confusion.
- It easier to find ourselves pursuing what makes sense immediately instead of what is important. It is easy to get ourselves pursuing what will bring physical relief and comfort while our relationship with God should be the priority of every believer. Let's sort out the confusion.
- As Mutahi Kagwe gives daily briefing on Covid-19, a spiritual corona is taking toll on Christian's. The number of infected and mortality is rising steadily and we need to put on spiritual mask and quarantine with God by remaining steadfast in our Christianity.
- Because of losing focus on God, believers are losing their relationship with God, the intimacy for many have taken a downward trend and some already experiencing unfamiliar problems and others have fallen in the process. We must remember as Christians despite everything going on we cannot afford to lose our relationship with God. We better lose everything else but not God. We must be like Paul
Philippians 1:21
[21]For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
With so much going on, how do we maintain our focused on God?
Matthew 4:4
[4]Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
• Even as we try to put the bread on the table let's remember it is the bread of life that keeps us alive
• How do we maintain a vibrant christian life in such times?. How do we keep the fire burning in the midst of all these problems?
1. Set your priorities right
As much as there is much that needs our attention, ask yourself;
What is the most important thing in my life? There are so many issues calling for our attention especially at this time. You must identify what is the most priority. The most important thing; (verse 12) not that I have already attained. Paul acknowledges that there is something very important he is pursuing.
His priorities;
- v8 I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ.
- v10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.
- His relationship with God and not ministry or material gains or problems is what mattered.
Psalm 27:4
[4]One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
for me to live is Christ
2. Actively pursue with determination your priorities
v13 I press on to take hold.
There will always be competing forces and you must be determined to pursue your God. You must allocate time and be committed to fulfill your time with God.
With all pressure around us during this season, it is easier to have no time for devotions and prayers. Ministry can easily occupy the place of God. I usually prepare lessons out of my devotions. So out of my time with God, my ministry flows. We must actively seek God.
Matthew 6:33
[33]But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Jesus said, have your priorities right and actively pursue it(seek)
Webster dictionary defines seek as- To resort to find or search, To go to look for.
You must resort in to pursuing God. It means setting times for devotions whether it is convenient or not, whether you feel like or not. You always have time for what is important to you.
3. Have a goal
Philippians 3:14
v 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize
- Don’t just do devotions and prayers as routine and as a duty. Have a goal and a strategy. Be motivated by encountering God in your devotions.
- Being refreshed by his presence. -Don’t just read the word and pray but let it have dimensions and direction. Set targets, I will read a chapter every day, get to understand and my prayers will focus on certain issues. It became enjoyable and rewarding.
- Finally you can say God has been teaching, rebuking or encouraging me. Or God is speaking to me.
1 Corinthians 9:26-Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
Take time to evaluate your connection with God and see the adjustment you need to make.
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