Philippians 3:7) But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8) More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ…. 12) Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus…. 14) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus
A couple of prayers I consistently pray is that the Lord would draw me after Himself that I might run with Him (SOS 1:4), and that I would have a similar heart as Paul revealed in the above verses in Philippians. The Lord graciously reminds me that He placed in all believers and in me a heart to know and to burn for Him. The truth is you and I are in union with the burning heart of Christ for fellowship and communion with Him and He with us.Two things I have learned over the years in ministry are that I can’t talk people into walking with the Lord more than one time, and I can’t put passion in their pursuit of God. You see, passion to seek Him must come from within each believer. I reiterate that it must come from within because it already dwells there because you are a new creation. If anyone is born again, the love of God has been poured out in their hearts (Rom 5:5). Therefore, we have the love of God and the love for God living within us. However, Proverbs tell us that the soul of the diligent person will be made fat (13:6). So what I often find myself praying for is diligence to make me persistent in seeking Him. I have found in my journey that when I am pressing in to know Him, my passion for Him increases. I find myself anticipating our time together. So as you and I continually seek His face, we will start longing for more, and we will start counting things loss in view of the reward that comes from knowing Him. Thus, do not let the enemy heap guilt on you if you feel you haven’t ‘arrived’ at regarding all things loss. Be encouraged by what Paul states in verses twelve and fourteen, and let it inspire you to press on for the ultimate prize.