BY GREG CRUM
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and 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 but dung, that I may win Christ,” Philippians 3:7-8
In Philippians Chapter 3 we read of Paul’s testimony concerning his life before Jesus. He excelled in that former lifestyle; he was a real “mover and shaker.” He had found a place of purpose, of comfort, and of great success in Judaism. By living that life, he had gained much and was on the path to more, but then he met Jesus, and everything changed. Paul’s life turned “right-side up” and he immediately began to reevaluate what he valued in life. The result? He gave up on his previous pursuits and willingly “lost” all the benefits that life came with in order to “win” Christ. He realized more than anything, he wanted to truly know Christ and the power of his resurrection!
Lately I’ve been thinking more about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, in particular what it is according to the Scriptures, how those earliest believers in Jesus went about receiving this gift, and what a wonderful and helpful experience it is designed to be for Christians. I’ve realized that we were designed to live this life filled with the Holy Ghost. It was never supposed to be a denominational thing, and definitely never intended to be a fringe belief. The greatest gift from God for us is our eternal salvation, but so close in line after that as to make the introvert uncomfortable is the Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
After all these years as a pastor, I’ve come to the determination that if there was one spiritual blessing I could give those that I love and serve that haven’t experienced this “Promise of the Father,” it is this Baptism. The thing is, I can’t give it; it’s not my gift to give, but there is One whose gift it is, and He has already made it available to all His children.
With that said, I’d love to help all who desire this gift from our Lord to receive what God has offered. To that end, let’s think about Paul’s testimony to the Philippians and how it can open the door for us to receive this precious gift. In Philippians Chapter 3, Paul spoke of forsaking his former lifestyle—its comfort, security, its benefits. Why? To know Christ and his power.
There is a spiritual truth here that many modern Christians in America don’t want to hear—that sometimes to gain the better, you have to lose some things you’ve held dear. Many are followers of Christ for what he provides, for the benefits, for the addition, for the blessing. Friends, it is very true that there are many blessings in this life in following Christ, but are we willing to follow Christ if that means losing things? Paul was, and that was the doorway to his closest relationship with Jesus.
What am I getting at?
So, we’re specifically speaking of being filled with the Holy Ghost, and I have to believe some of you want that, but have been struggling to receive the “more” that you know is there for you. Let me ask you this: What are you willing to lose to gain what you’re looking for? What are you willing to set aside, to forsake, to quit, in order to know the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in increased measure in your life?
Now, mind you, I’m not insinuating that we can give away things to earn this free gift, but there is something about “cleaning the house” and clearing the way in our hearts that will make room for the Holy Spirit. Old timers called it sanctification. A cleaning up of the personal sanctuary…the temple that is God’s…that is you. Hebrews 12:1, James 4:4-5, and Galatians 5:16-18 all speak to us about getting rid of hindrances to holiness in our lives and clearing the path for the Greater that is God.
So, what are you willing to lose to be filled, or what are you willing to forsake to grow in and further enjoy this Baptism? Your smokes, chew, vapes, your dirty videos, your social media influence, your money, your time? Know this: Anything forsaken for the Lord is an investment in a greater relationship with Him!
Greg Crum is the pastor of Calvary Temple in Lovely.