“I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)
Many things compete for our time and our affection. We often feel stretched by the demands of work, family, and church. Balancing these demands can feel overwhelming, especially when they seem to reflect conflicting values. For example, we may be so heavily invested in work as a way of providing for our family that we have little time left over to spend with our family.
According to the philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, purity of heart is similar to being single-minded. It is “to will one thing.” Today’s readings invite us to examine what “one thing” is of supreme importance to us. When we get that right, we will find everything else falling into place.
Paul says that his “one thing” is knowing Christ as Lord. Apart from that reality, all his accomplishments are insignificant. It’s not hard to agree in theory that Jesus should be at the very center of our lives, but it’s not always easy to put this into practice. Most of us can’t spend every waking moment immersed in prayer.
How freeing it is to learn that knowing Jesus isn’t reserved for “religious” situations. Jesus has entered our world to live alongside of us. We can be with him as we work, as we cook dinner, as we help our kids with homework, even as we relax and recreate. We can do all of these things in union with Jesus, the man who built furniture, memorized Scripture, went fishing, and told jokes with his friends.
It shouldn’t be a difficult thing to let God into every part of your life— he’s already there! The key is to turn to him as you go about your ordinary tasks. Welcome him in, and talk with him as your day unfolds. Quietly ask him for his help, his guidance, and even his grace. Then take a moment or two to listen. And don’t worry if you hear nothing. Just believe and trust that he is there; he’ll speak when he’s ready—and when he knows you’re ready to hear him. Nothing matters more than knowing him and being with him.
“Jesus, I am so grateful that you want to reveal yourself to me. Help me get to know you even better today.”
Psalm 105:2-7; Luke 15:1-10