“Yea doubtless, 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 as dung, that I may win Christ “(Phil. 3:8)
A friend of mine who is also a pioneer pastor in Aba, Abia State of Nigeria visited me sometime ago and requested that I should accompany him to see a friend of his who’s been of tremendous support to him in the ministry. I had heard so much about the brother so I decided to go with him so I can use that opportunity to appreciate him for his love for the kingdom and for his encouragement to my friend in the ministry. I was meeting him for the first time. So after the introduction, I began to thank him for all he’s been doing to help my friend fulfill his calling.
Surprisingly, the brother just smiled and asked “What matters?” He didn’t say anything else. I was deeply touched by that statement. And in response, I said to him “I wish all Christians have the same understanding you have about the kingdom”. Majority of today’s Christians are more Church minded, rather than being kingdom minded. They talk much about “our Church” than the kingdom of God.
By that question, what he implied was “what is more important in life than to serve God with whatever he blesses us with?”, What gives fulfilment in life than to help others fulfill their purpose in life?, He was asking: “what counts in life than to live for the cause of the kingdom?”
That brother understands that there’s nothing one has that he didn’t receive (1Cor. 4:7). He understands that it is God who gives the power to get wealth (Deutr. 8:18), and that it is for the purpose of advancing His kingdom.
A foremost Missionary statesman, Oswald J. Smith once said “It is not how much of my money, but how much of God’s money that I keep for myself” Every heaven conscious believer knows that he or she is only a custodian of whatever God entrusts him or her with, and that everything he or she owns belongs to God.
King Solomon the preacher, the wisest, and the richest man that ever lived counsels thus “Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for there’s no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave where you are going” (Ecl.9:10).
Finally, that brother understands that what counts in life is what we do for God and His kingdom while still alive. That should be the understanding of every one that is looking forward to meet with Jesus someday.
Revd. A. U. Akpan is the President of FAITH ACTIVATION GLOBAL MINISTRIES, Lagos, Nigeria.
Faith Activation Global Ministries is in divine partnership with The ministry of the word, led by Dr. Ben Bassey.
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