Asset Management

Philippians 3:7-11

But what were once my assets I now through Christ Jesus count as losses. Yes, I will go further: because of the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, I count everything else as loss. For him I have accepted the loss of all other things, and look on them all as filth if only I can gain Christ and be given a place in him, with the uprightness I have gained not from the Law, but through faith in Christ, an uprightness from God, based on faith, that I may come to know him and the power of his resurrection, and partake of his sufferings by being molded to the pattern of his death, striving towards the goal of resurrection from the dead.

Well, the eyes and minds of many Americans (and others throughout the world) were fixated on the dollar this week. Financial concerns have determined the rhythm of many hearts...plummeting with despair or standing stock still...waiting to see how the important (but not almighty) dollar would fluctuate. I'm not naive...I feel the bumps and bruises of economic trends and ask some of the same questions...where will this end. The future is uncertain...but one thing is clear, "prosperity" is an increasingly moving target.

Paul's letter to the church at Philippi reminds us that there is only one goal to which we can reach that is certain. Regardless of the ebb and flow of any material or physical investments, the investment of faith in Christ provides a solid return.
As faith moves us closer to Christ life takes on new meaning...transcendent perspective. Paul says that the asset once seen as something to be protected above all else is diminished to "filth" when measured against the richness of life in and with Christ.

There is striving involved here...after all, we are constantly surround by reminders of what the world and American society in particular proclaims as the good life. Our desire and our vision my be diverted as "assets" literally disappear during a crises like we've experienced in the past weeks. To some it feels like death...the end of hopes and dreams and expectations.

Be wise...make adjustments where you must in response to "reality"...but then, press on towards the one that promises and provides new life in the midst of death and loss.

Press on...in faith! Press on towards the ricn life that faith provides...and the unshakable peace that radiates from Christ at the center of your being and places you certainly in everlasting and abundant LIFE.