Clearing the Extras, Keeping Jesus Center
Lightening the load so the journey continues, a simple picture of letting extras go to keep Jesus at the center.
Devotional Credit: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Philippians 3 paints a striking picture. Paul gladly lets go of every religious prop so he can gain Christ and be found in Him. E. Stanley Jones helps me hear the heartbeat of that passage. Jesus only. Not Jesus plus my record. Not Jesus plus the opinions that make me feel important. Jesus Himself.
Jones reminds us that when Jesus is the treasure, everything that once propped up the ego loses its shine. Paul was not sulking over loss. He was clearing the deck because he had found Someone better. Righteousness was no longer something he built. It was a gift in Jesus, received by faith, enjoyed in union with Him.
This is not a call to self contempt. It is an invitation to freedom. The Spirit shows us what to lay aside, then turns our attention to the Living One. Relief comes, not because we finally managed ourselves well, but because Jesus fills the center and the heart rests.
So here is the simple way forward. Let the Lord be the focus. When lesser confidences tug, remember the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. That is where joy grows. That is where devotion becomes simple again. Thank you, E. Stanley Jones, for pointing our gaze to the One who is enough.
Journal Entry, Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I draw your heart to My Son. Count as loss what once felt like gain, for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus your Lord. Be found in Him, not with a righteousness of your own, but with the righteousness that comes through faith. I do not set aside grace. In Him you are complete. All fullness dwells in Him, and you are filled in Him.
I unite you with Jesus in death and life. You have been crucified with Christ, and you live by faith in the Son of God. Consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God. Walk in newness of life. Abide in Me and you will bear much fruit. Fix your eyes on Jesus, and run with endurance the race I set before you.
I center your will. Seek the things above where Christ is seated. Set your mind on things above. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. I strengthen you in the inner person so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith. From this union, I shape the single heart that says, one thing I do, I press on to know Him and the power of His resurrection.
Scripture references: Philippians 3:7 to 10, Galatians 2:21, Colossians 2:10, Colossians 1:19, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4 to 11, John 15:4 to 5, Hebrews 12:1 to 2, Colossians 3:1 to 4, Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 3:16 to 17, Philippians 3:13 to 14.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of the airport carry on check. The bag looks fine until it meets the sizer. If it bulges, you open the zipper, feel the weight in your hands, and remove what is not essential. Then the bag slides in and the journey continues. The Holy Spirit does this kindly in our inner life. He helps us notice when add ons crowd the center, then He turns our attention back to Jesus so we travel light.
Try this today. When you notice your mind clinging to a small win or to someone’s approval, pause and say, Lord, I trust You to sift my motives and center my heart on Your Son as You live through me right now. Then take one small step that reflects this freedom, such as choosing honesty over image, or serving quietly without needing credit.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Jesus I am found, accepted, and complete. Thank You that righteousness is a gift in Him, and that Your Spirit shows me what to lay aside. I receive the single heart that values knowing Your Son above every prop. Lord, I trust You to keep my attention on Jesus and to express His life through me in today’s tasks and conversations.