I just finished a study on the word “lost” and have now begun to study “gain”. I have in just one short passage been reminded that it is not my own gain that I am to be seeking out, it is the gain in the LORD.
“36Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.”
— Psalm 119:36-37 (ESV)
When I look at the above passage, I see the middle two lines related to selfish and worthless things in this world. I believe that we, as a society at large, seek things for ourselves. We are looking for those things that will be at least on the surface, acceptance in this world. By having those things of this world, others will see us as somehow worthy of praise.
With the LORD, it is the things that are inside us that are of value to Him. It is not what we have but who we have in Him. I have to remember that I am to take on the example of Christ in my life and live according to His plan. I have to look for the glory in Him and not look for acceptance, as I have already been accepted into the Family of God with my receipt of the gift of salvation.
I look at acceptance and see that it is the commonality between me and others where that acceptance is found. Not in the tangible things others see that I have and may want. When one finds commonality they are accepted. If someone has a passion for sports they are accepted with others with the similar passion. If someone has a love for music, there is commonality and acceptance with others who love music. Art aficionados are accepted with others in the art world. It is this commonality that brings the acceptance and gain that is sustaining.
I gain more in the LORD than anyone can imagine. I have a fellowship of believers that are my instant family. I love the LORD, they love the LORD and together we have the commonality and acceptance of one another. My gain is in the LORD and the commonality I have with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Where are you looking for gain? Are you looking for acceptance in the world to somehow gain? What if you looked to Jesus and found others with the commonality of looking to Jesus as your place of acceptance and gain in the LORD?
Trevor's Thoughts 