Be Someone

Whatever the reason, motive or intention, we all want to ‘be someone’.

Philippians 3:1-21

Reference:  v.8  What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.  (NIV Bible)

Explore:  We spend our whole lives trying to ‘be someone’.  At school we work hard for good grades so that we can get into higher education, so that we can get an important job, so that we can influence people, and so that we can ‘be someone’ of importance.  Some people strive to ‘be someone’ so that they can become rich or own a lot of stuff.  Some people strive to ‘be someone’ so that they can be popular, regarded more highly or maybe even famous.  Some pople strive to ‘be someone’ so that they can have a positive influence on other people and work towards helping those in need.  Whatever the reason, motive or intention, we all want to ‘be someone’.

Application:  When the Apostle Paul explained to the followers of Christ what he was like before he believed that Jesus was the Messiah, he told them that he had wanted to ‘be someone’ who was the best.  And he achieved most of it.  He was someone who was the best at his studies, the best at obedience, the best at religion, the best at fulfilling his version of the law.  And yet, while he was striving to ‘be someone’, according to Christ’s interpretation of the law, he really was a no one.  In fact, for him to find fulfillment, instead of striving to ‘be someone’ all he needed to do was strive to ‘be like Christ’.  Really, that’s what we all must strive for.  Not to be someone of significance to this world, but to be significant to God by being Christlike.  The more we learn about Jesus the more it helps us determine how we should live, honouring God rather than honouring ourselves.

Prayer:  Lord, we all have goals and plans and dreams.  May we strive to be more like You everyday.  Amen.

What are your dreams for the future?  Do those dreams shape you to be more like Christ?

Philippians