Growth in God: Nothing but Christ
Following the past article in this short series (Growth in God: The End of Us), this article will focus on the holy pursuit of “nothing but Christ.” Spiritual sensitivity means we pursue Christ. Him alone. As we focus on Christ, the things of this world diminish in our estimation because, as Paul says, “of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).
These two ideas—1) dying to self and 2) seeking Christ, connect beautifully. When we come to the end of ourselves, we truly have nothing but Christ. It is my prayer that this article will encourage you to press into Jesus. As Corrie Ten Boom so beautifully said, “You can never learn that Christ is all you need until Christ is all you have.”
The End of Self-Reliance
How often have we experienced that sinking feeling of “I literally have no clue what to do next”? Or when we get bad news, that pit that forms in our stomachs, and our world seems shattered and like it will not go on? When we do not know the next step to take, who do we turn to? Who do we seek out for council?
1 Corinthians chapter one says that “Christ is the wisdom and power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). On this verse, Matthew Henry comments, “To those who are called and saved he is the wisdom of God, and the power of God. Those who are called and sanctified, who receive the gospel, and are enlightened by the Spirit of God, discern more glorious discoveries of God’s wisdom and power in the doctrine of Christ crucified than in all his other works.”
Jesus our Rock
Unbelievers look to themselves for hope, peace, and comfort in an attempt to deal with life’s trials. The Christian has an outward hope—a hope that is outside themselves. And this hope does not wax and wane with emotions. Christ is a stable and sure Rock for his people.
This is why Christians can joyfully die to themselves and steady their feet on Jesus. He is immovable. And all the forces of hell and nature cannot undermine his reign and authority.
So What?
What do we do with this very simple (yet profound) concept of Jesus as our rock and stability? How can it be practical?
Cultivate a habit of going to Jesus in prayer daily, not just when things are wrong. Pray for God to give you a greater love for himself.
Sing the Psalms. The Psalms offer beautiful reminders of the character of God when we face trials.
Invest in friendships that encourage you to press into Jesus, not draw you away.
Brittany Proffitt lives in Dallas and is a writer and content manager for So We Speak.
