But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss 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, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Philippians 3:7-9
One of the most important and respected management experts of the last century was Peter Drucker. His thirty-nine books were translated into dozens of languages and sold millions of copies. He identified three things that are required for a successful mission, whether personal or corporate: 1) Look at strength and performance. Do better what you do well—if it’s the right thing to do. 2) Look at the opportunities, the needs. Where can you, with limited resources, really make a difference? 3) Look at what you really believe and commit to it fully. Drucker wrote, “I’ve never seen anything being done well unless people were committed.”
The goal that God has declared for every believer is for us to be like Jesus. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). This is a cause that is worthy of our complete dedication and commitment. It is not a passing goal that we may later set aside, but the goal that should dominate our thinking and efforts every day of our lives.
The goal of being like Jesus requires priority. That must be more important than any of the things of this world. Our value system must be settled on the eternal things rather than the temporal pleasures and successes we are offered. When we face troubles and trials, our commitment to Jesus will be tested, but if we remain faithful, we will know and serve and love Him better, and truly be more like Him.
