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 – Philippians 3:8
“It’s worth the stretch,” I mumbled to myself after another setback. My words mimicked what was expressed in the 1995 movie Heat by Robert De Niro’s character Neil McCauley during a meeting with his cohort about an upcoming heist. Although presented with the possibility of failure, Neil was nevertheless willing to play against the odds. I likewise assessed the project for my grandson’s birthday as worth the frustration because the reward would far exceed the time and effort it required.
You’ll never pay the cost unless you see the value. This was an excerpt from the notes during my pastor’s sermon about aligning your heart with God’s kingdom. He referenced Matthew 6:21 and that the heart reveals what’s important. Used as an example was Jesus’ encounter with the man who desired to know: “What good thing must I do to get eternal life” (Matthew 19:16), yet was unwilling to pay the cost, “sell that thou hast, and give to the poor” (verse 21). The man’s choice exposed what he valued most: his wealth.
Some things in life are worth the sacrifice to acquire what’s desired when it’s for the right cause. This includes a strong relationship with God, which doesn’t happen without disciplined time and effort and the willingness to be stretched.