Every time a school year begins, I’m reminded that I’m a teacher at heart. Getting organized with books and notebooks and preparing a classroom for a new group of students was something I approached with excitement. I worked hard to equip students with goals and strategies so that they would have a successful year. I wanted them to learn, to work hard, and to accomplish all that they could. Even though I don’t currently have a classroom to prepare, every year about this time, I’m excited and ready for the return of routine and schedules that fall brings.
This year though is a little different. My summer included some hard things like surgery followed by moving my dad, and I’m finding myself feeling unprepared for the schedule to begin again. I want the clock to slow down and make-up the time of refreshing and relaxing that I feel I missed.
As I read through Philippians 3 this week, Paul has a word of encouragement for me. While I tend to emphasize the tasks to be done and my ability to organize and accomplish them, he prioritizes relationship. In fact he warns the Philippians not to be deceived by people who emphasize what the flesh can do. He even says in verse 3, “put no confidence in the flesh.”
And Paul is not speaking from some type of inferiority complex, trying to make himself feel better compared to others. He comes from just the opposite perspective. If there is anyone who could boast in his fleshly accomplishments according to the standard of the day, it would be Paul. In verses 4-6, he identifies that is he a Hebrew of Hebrews, and in regard to the religious law of the day, a zealous Pharisee- faultless!
In other words, Paul had learned, worked hard, and accomplished all that he could to satisfy the standard of the day, and what he says about that is surprising to this teacher-
“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (3:8)
Paul had found that in whatever way he may profit from his flesh or however his flesh could aid him in getting ahead or gaining notoriety, he considered that useless compared to what he gained from knowing Christ.
Knowing Christ and being found in Him was everything to Paul because it meant gaining a righteousness that his own flesh could not attain by keeping the law. He had learned that righteousness from God through faith in Christ is the only thing that really matters.
So as the calendar is quickly ticking toward a busy fall filled with new responsibilities and lists to organize, I’m finding hope and encouragement from Paul for my “I’m not ready yet” attitude. I’m taking a breath and resetting my priorities- asking God to help me gain what really matters . . .
Not an organized and accomplished to-do list but instead a deeper knowing and growing relationship with Jesus!
Today’s PIC is a helpful prayer tool to keep me from thinking and relying more on my flesh than I should.
Daily PICs for Life 