August 29, 2007 7:46 AM
Elisabeth Elliot on earthly loss
Nothing is lostPaul was a man who suffered the loss of everything, according to his own claim. Yet any loss he counted pure gain. The key to this transforming of earthly losses into heavenly gains is love. What do we love? If our hearts are set on people and possessions and position, the loss of those will indeed be irreparable. To the man or woman whose heart is set on Christ no loss on earth can be irreparable.
It may shock us for the moment. We may feel hurt, outraged, desolate, helpless. That is our humanity. But the Lord can show us the "long view," the incalculable gain in spiritual and eternal terms, if we love Him above all. Everything that belongs to us belongs also to Him. Everything that belongs to Him belongs also to us. What, then, can we finally lose? If we lose not Christ Himself, we have finally lost nothing, for He is our treasure and He has our hearts.
As always, I'd like to encourage you to include Elisabeth Elliot in your morning reading. She gives you a lot to think about during the day. Subscribe to her daily devotions here.
Posted in Inspiration | Permalink
Comments
Thank you Barbara ! On the heels of a recent job lay-off for my husband from a company we both dearly loved, this is great reminder of where our "first love" should be. Very encouraging today.
Posted by: JulieP | August 29, 2007 9:21 AM
Elisabeth Elliot knows more about loss than any of us ever want to know! I am always inspired by her words of wisdom on the subject. She seems to have an unshakeable faith that anchors her through the storms of life.
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 29, 2007 3:42 PM
Sigh.
Thanks, Barbara, for posting this.
Posted by: mopsy | August 29, 2007 6:37 PM
Julie - Sorry to hear about this. I'll pray.
Mopsy - I sigh with you. and cry. i am so sorry about your recent loss. I had four miscarriages altogether - 9 births. It was always a tremendous sadness.
love to you,
barbara
Posted by: barbara | August 29, 2007 8:35 PM
