“Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ” (Phil 3:8). “Now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back ...?” (Gal. 4:9). “Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you (Jesus) more than anything on earth.” (Psalm 73:25)
Lord Jesus, I often joke that I’m allergic to math. I’m not talking about differential equations, normalizing vectors, or transposing matrices. I mean the most basic algebra, trig, and calculus. I know I’m not alone. That being said, there is one form of math that is doable, daily, and indispensable for all of us.
The Gospel calls and equips each of us for doing heart-math in every season of life—even on a daily basis. Jesus, in light of you, your great love for us, and everything you’ve won for us, what really matters? What do we need to devalue a bit (or a lot) in light of your eternal, incomparable worth?
All this kind of “math” requires is the new heart you gave us by the Gospel, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, and two columns laid out side by side. Sometimes it’s as simple as this.
Infinite Value versus Worthless
Jesus > Everything Else
Knowing Christ > Money, Control, Safety, Status, Relief
Being known by Abba > Reputation, Romance, Approval of People
Sometimes it’s more complex. Like when we’re in chronic pain, relational emptiness, or the vulnerability of an unknown future. Or when we’re under financial stress, or when the voice of shame is louder than the Spirit’s witness to our belovedness.
Jesus, you know where each of us are in this very moment. We want to love, trust, and honor you above everything else. Help us, for we are weak; but hallelujah, we are yours. So Very Amen.