READ: Philippians 3:7-13
…for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. – Philippians 3:7-8
Have you ever wondered why some people are so unconvincing? No one wants to hear what they have to say. Have you asked yourself why some pastors have very few members?
Think about Jesus. He constantly told people not to publicize the good things He had done for them. He never travelled more than two hundred miles from His hometown. He never preached on TV or on radio. He did not build any institutions to His memory! His picture was never on a billboard and He never owned a car. Yet, the whole world has gone after Him. Two thousand years have gone by and millions still believe in Him. Thousands are converted to Him daily and there are volunteers who are ready to die for Him today.
What is the reason for the long-lasting effect of His ministry? The answer is simple. The sacrifice! The sacrifice of His life on the cross was the most significant spiritual thing that Jesus did on earth. He preached, He taught and He healed the sick. However, the eternal fruit was borne when He gave up His life on the cross. What we need to learn here, is that obedience and sacrifice will bear more eternal fruit than any other good works we will do. This one sacrifice for humankind has released so much power into the earth.
Many great men and women have left all to follow Jesus. Sacrifice always releases power. Sometimes even talking about the sacrifice releases the power.