The old man looked around his study. There were pictures of
him and well known people. Pictures of races, events, awards and trophies he
had won. Through the years his identity had changed from the high school football
player, to the college graduate, to the daring business man, to the proud
father. Each replaced by a new identity until none of them described him
anymore. His job today was to collect his most important things to take to his
small senior apartment. His eyes caught the old Bible on the edge of his desk
with it’s worn cover and beaten edges. The old man thought about the day he
asked Jesus to be his savior and became a Christian when he was in Jr.High.
Funny he thought that all the important things that lined the walls and covered
the shelves had come and gone. I ams replaced by I used to bes. The only “I am”
left was his faith in Jesus. He picked up his Bible walked out of his study and
closed the door. Someone asked him if he was finished with that room, he
replied I got the only thing that’s me.
At the time Paul writes Philippians some people wanted
Christ Followers to be another sect of Jews. They were insisting that Christ
Followers be circumcised among other things.
- What are we counting on?
a. Paul’s Jewish status
b. physical strength, looks, money, awards, influence, popularity, knowledge or intellect?
c. good theology, the right church? - Two bank accounts
a. earth bond national
b. heavenly trust
c. coming bank failure - Closing the old account
a. changing your deposits
b. learning to count again
What are you counting on? When you
stand before God and he says why should I let you into heaven? What will you
say? The only thing that will matter as you leave this world and close the door
is Jesus.
