Plan For Victory--Confidence Part 6/12

PLAN FOR VICTORY 6/12--Confidence
Philippians 3:7-9

Confidence is learned behavior. It begins with parents allowing kids to do things without hovering over them to initiate, direct, teach. Around age six, children are determined to attempt doing things on their own. As our awareness grows, so does our confidence. With each successful venture won, we grow bold. Soon, we’re reaching out farther than is safe for our own good.

Childhood is that kind of cat and mouse experience. We attempt something more than that for which we’re given permission, and we’re reeled back in to protect us from harm. Crossing streets, riding bikes or all-terrain vehicles, playing sports, learning musical instruments are fun activities that teach us confidence in our abilities. It takes years to do what our eyes show is possible by watching older people. Learning and growing doesn’t stop when you become an adult.

We study, reach, and attain goals. We’re never satisfied for long when we have that for which our hearts yeaned. What’s the point? What will satisfy us in the long haul? Many people have a wall filled with degrees, diplomas, certificates. Proud accomplishment teems within them. Pride bubbles forth onto the surface of their confident exterior.

Clearly, many people’s confidence is in themselves rather than in Christ. Paul had the right pedigree of a learned scholar. In Biblical times, he was a member of the Sanhedrin.
People revered these men of God. He enjoyed the perks of honor. Then he found Jesus. (Acts 9:1-11)

Jesus asked Paul why he was persecuting Him. Paul was left blind after his epiphany on the road. Paul did a 180 degree turn around. His name was changed from Saul to Paul. Many did not trust him afterwards because of his reputation for persecuting Christians. (Acts 8:1-3).

Paul says in Philippians, “Whatever was my profit, I now consider a loss for the sake of Christ…I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ… not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ and may be found in Him.”

WOW—did he really mean that?

Take home Nugget

If we try attaining goals apart from Christ, (on our own), we will fail. It is through Him that we find success. He is proud of us, so when we puff out our chests, remember who’s really responsible. What we accomplish on our own is rubbish.
If we want to be partners with Christ, we’ll get the recognition and He’ll get the glory. Then we can give Him our recognition in thanks. Win-Win situation. And through Him, our goals will not lose their luster. Our confidence is in Him and our success is for the kingdom of God. Now that’s something to cheer about.

Hard work, concentrated effort, goals attained
Cannot compare to knowing our Lord.
Through Him all efforts are sustained
And we bow to Him for our reward.

J.D. Griffith

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