Is it worth it?

Do yall realize we're gonna be on the other side of the world in a little over 2 months?!? What the freak? Anyways, I hope you guys are delighting your hearts in the Gospel. I got in the Word with Phil. 3:7-10 last week and I am still reaping the benefits of how God ministered to me during that time so I thought I would share it with you...

Paul starts by making the point that if anyone should be able to boast in their own reputation and accomplishments it would be him: 1) Circumcised on the 8th day 2) Of the people of Israel, tribe of Benjamin 3) A Hebrew of Hebrews 4) A Pharisee 5) Persecutor of the Church 6) Blameless under the law. By Jewish standards Paul is pretty much the man. Then Paul changes direction. He says, "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ..." When I read this I pictured Paul drawing out a sort of pros and cons list for himself. He's saying these are all the things that I have earned based off of my own merit. These are the things that I'm entitled to. That resonated with me so I made a list for myself. What are the things that I'm "sacrificing" by going to Malaysia this summer:

1. Possible internships that could bolster my resume
2. A job and saving up money
3. Spending time with friends and family
4. Summer school

And there are definitely other things, but I consider these the main "losses". Paul continues, "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 and be found in him, not having righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ...." This is extraordinarily comforting for me. Paul is going through the same struggle. He's facing the same sort of decision that I'm making. Do I trust in my own ability and my plan for my life or do I surrender all my plans to Jesus and trust Him with the course of my life? Paul says it's worth it. He wants to know the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." So I made a list; What do I gain by going to Malaysia this summer?

1. Phil. 4:10 I might know God and the power of his resurrection
2. Matt. 6:20 Treasures in heaven
3. Matt. 19:29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life
4. 2 Corin. 4:17 This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison
5. 1 Peter 5:10 The God of grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

I could go on and on. The Bible is full of promises for those who step out in faith and trust the Him with their plans. Knowing Christ is far better than any internship, any resume booster, any time with friends/family. Treasuring God as the chief joy of our heart is the sole purpose for why we're here and I want that for my life and everyone's life . Love you all.

-Drew