Ill never forget the time I had the privilege of sitting next to Billy Graham at a dinner. I was honored but also somewhat nervous about what would be appropriate to say. I thought it would be an interesting conversation starter to ask what he loved most about his years of ministry. Then I awkwardly started to suggest possible answers. Was it knowing presidents, kings, and queens? Or preaching the gospel to millions of people around the world?
Before I had finished offering suggestions, Rev. Graham stopped me. Without hesitation he said, It has been my fellowship with Jesus. To sense His presence, to glean His wisdom, to have Him guide and direct methat has been my greatest joy. I was instantly convicted and challenged. Convicted because Im not sure that his answer would have been my answer, and challenged because I wanted it to be.
Thats what Paul had in mind when he counted his greatest achievements to be of no worth compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (Philippians 3:8). Think of how rich life would be if Jesus and our fellowship with Him was our highest pursuit.
INSIGHT
The apostle Pauls passion to know Christ and to make Him known to others should guide our lives as well. In Philippians 3:114, we see how growing in our knowledge of Christ is mixed with both joy and pain: I want to know Christyes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings (v. 10). Jesus told us, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). As we grow in our relationship with Christ we can expect both joy and suffering.
How has both joy and suffering deepened your fellowship with Christ?