https://odb.org/MY/2023/01/24/no-loss
Meeting up with classmates whether school or college mates for reunions may sometimes be an intimidating experience and may even be thought-provoking. There are bound to be others more successful than us, and perhaps there are some who are less, and we usually define success in terms of material wealth or recognition in the world. For those who chose the narrow path as believers and even more so for those who chose to go full-time serving God, the question may come whether if we had not chosen God, would we be equally wealthy and successful as our more successful classmates?
The answer is that it may not be necessarily so! If we had chosen to walk the broader path, it would not mean that we would be wealthy and at the top of our game like our more successful classmates. In fact, the opposite could be true – we might have fared worse.
Ultimately, I think the question should never be asked because the Kingdom of God is like a hidden treasure in a field. Once discovered, one would sell everything we have to buy that piece of land so that the hidden treasure is ours. It is also like a precious pearl that we would sell everything in exchange for. In other words, God is worth all that we have or will have and much more. We would have it no other way. If we could turn back the clock, we would still choose Jesus to the riches of the world. Jesus was offered the world in exchange for bowing to Satan, but Jesus was not tempted. He chose to run with His destiny to sacrifice Himself for the sake of the world. To go out there to try to convince humanity to turn from their wicked ways and return to God. Jesus had faith that humanity is worth His sacrifice and efforts.
Paul was a top up-and-coming Pharisee schooled by the well-known and respected teacher, Gamaliel. A thorough-bred Jew, the creme de la creme, and yet in comparison to his new-found faith in Christ, he considered it all dung, rubbish (Philippians 3:8). He lost everything, but he didn’t regret it at all. Instead, he chose to go through the sufferings he knew he would go through for the sake of Christ, who revealed Himself to him in person on Paul’s journey to Damascus.
Whatever path our life in Christ has taken us, rejoice that we are living in the centre of His will for us. We would not be where we are today if not for Christ. We would have no other life even if given a choice to turn back the clock. We will not be where we are today in ministry or career if the grace and blessings of God were not upon us. We are who we are in our faith today because our Lord Jesus Christ was beside us all this while. Therefore, may we push forward without looking behind and continue fulfilling His plans and purposes for our lives and continue serving and living in the centre of His will!
Happy Chinese New Year, everyone! Xin Nien Kuai Le!
Ronnie's Thoughts 