“I want to know Christ”
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ… I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection… (Php 3:7,10-11)
Today’s key Scripture brings us a double-edged sword of a man, towering very tall in society yet down to earth with humility; a man who was an accomplished diverse academic yet presenting only one subject; a man of noble background yet able to become all things to all people. It sounds like he made this his driving motto: “I WANT TO KNOW CHRIST.” It sounds like Jesus’ story in action – the story of the hidden treasure; when the man found it, he went and sold everything he had and came and bought the little plot with the treasure. Indeed, Paul confesses to count every other good thing as rubbish for the sake of Christ. What are you passionate about? You have restless unyielding energy for this thing – but think about the value of Christ.
Individual passions can flare like fire if not controlled; and the fire can actually burn and injure you and your neighbours. That passion can blind you from beholding the way of salvation. Is it a passion for entertainment, or for some special dish, or passion for someone special, or for your culture? Paul confesses his deadly passions – his deep love for his culture and religion that drove him to even persecute followers of Jesus Christ before he himself turned to the Saviour. That passionate energy is not the problem, but how it is applied. When applied in the right direction and for godly and Christ-honouring purposes, then the Kingdom of God is blessed. With that passion he focused on his new found treasure: I want to know Christ. To focus on knowing and serving Jesus Christ is the only safe way to manage that passion and be a good steward of the same.
Looking back to the last year, we give thanks for what God has brought us through. He raised passionate leaders for the new Chapel Council and various fellowships. We celebrate great strides in ministry and development in Kakumba Chapel during the year: vibrant online fellowships have ministered to many and grown leaders, while the new look of the Chapel sanctuary has also evoked appreciative and worshipful moods from both regular and visiting congregants. May the Lord bless our passionate giving and support to the ministry as we long to know Christ more, and make him known. With this focus, you will eventually know the power of his resurrection, joyfully participate in his sufferings, become like him in his death, but finally attain the resurrection and live and reign with Christ eternally.
God bless you all.