Philippians 3:7
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Could it be possible this morning to take some time for math? Even if it is just in your head, count the things that you have? Things such as cars, homes, boats, etc... Have you gotten the total yet? Now, count things such as family, friends, careers, and church. Still counting?
I imagine this list could be very lengthy. This list could show you just how blessed you are. There is absolutely nothing wrong with cars, homes, boats, family, friends, careers or churches. Nothing at all.
Take all these things and think of them like this...
Family
+ Careers
+ Church
+ Homes
+ Boats
+ Cars
= Blessings, Happiness, Earthly Security
But subtract from that list Jesus and what do you come up with? NOTHING! The answer will always be nothing. See it in this equation...
Steve
+ Cars
+ Possessions
+ Family
+ Church
- Jesus
= Emptiness, and no hope
One more math problem... The Grace of Jesus Equation
Emptiness
+ Hopelessness
+ Helplessness
= THE VERY SAME CONDITION
But now ADD Jesus into the equation! When we are empty, add Jesus. When we are hopeless, add Jesus. When we are helpless, add Jesus. When we are hungry, add Jesus. Then you will find yourself full. You will find yourself helped. You will find yourself filled with hope. If you trust in your possessions and friendly blessings and don't have Christ, you will have nothing.
So how did you do in your math? Did you count up everything? Now remove Jesus from the list and look at what you have. Nothing. Without Jesus we have nothing.
