There is No Comparison
By J.B. Hixson, Ph.D.
01/13/2020
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:8, NIV)
Recently I came across one of those widely circulated emails that lists all of the things that have changed in the world over the past fifty years, and it got me thinking. One of the blessings of living in this modern age is that we are able to do things today that we simply could not do in centuries gone by. Or even a decade ago. Or in some cases, even a year ago! Everything from airplanes to electricity to penicillin helped revolutionize the world. Add to that technological advancements in computers, smart phones, the Internet, nanotechnology, and more, and there really is no comparison between daily life today and life in years gone by.
Speaking of air travel...I‘ve done a hefty amount of flying through the years for ministry engagements. I don’t fly much anymore, but I recall in great detail how exciting it always was when I would get upgraded to first class because of my frequent flier status. I remember the first time I found myself enjoying some of the finer luxuries in life, like elbow room, overhead bin space, and a meal that you don't have to eat with your fingers. It was wonderful. As my mind wandered to the less fortunate souls sitting in coach, I thought: Ahhh! By comparison, there really is no comparison.
And then there’s music. It is hard for younger folks like my children to comprehend what listening to music used to be like. It seems like just yesterday I was singing along to my Dad's old reel-to-reel tapes in the living room of our Connecticut house. I was quite the karaoke star long before karaoke became the rage. I'm too embarrassed to reveal whose music was on that old reel-to-reel tape, but I'll give you a hint: His last name is Manilow and his first name starts with a "B." Have you listened to any reel-to-reel tapes lately? Or even a cassette tape? What a difference! By comparison with today's digital MP3s, or Pandora, or Spotify, there really is no comparison.
But there is one comparison that transcends all others. It is the comparison between life with Christ and life without Christ. Without Christ, even the most enjoyable moments are devoid of meaning. Without Christ, all the riches in the world can't buy everlasting hope. Without Christ, pain and suffering have no resolution. Without Christ, relationships are superficial and fleeting. Without Christ, every victory is hollow and short-lived. Without Christ, the future is uncertain. Without Christ, all is vanity.
Everything pales in comparison to the greatness of knowing Jesus Christ, God's Son and our Savior. With Christ, we can rejoice no matter what the circumstance. With Christ, we can see the unseen. With Christ, we can walk through the valley. With Christ, even the worst of times fade beneath the glory of knowing Him. With Christ, all things are possible. With Christ, priorities become clear. With Christ, all of our accomplishments, self-attainments, and reasons to boast become far less important as we realize what really matters most. Life with Christ versus life without Him...by comparison there really is no comparison. Do you know Christ? If not, let me urge you to place your faith in Him today, as the only hope for eternal life. He loves you so much that He died and rose again to pay your penalty for sin. Trust Him today for salvation.
01/13/2020
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:8, NIV)
Recently I came across one of those widely circulated emails that lists all of the things that have changed in the world over the past fifty years, and it got me thinking. One of the blessings of living in this modern age is that we are able to do things today that we simply could not do in centuries gone by. Or even a decade ago. Or in some cases, even a year ago! Everything from airplanes to electricity to penicillin helped revolutionize the world. Add to that technological advancements in computers, smart phones, the Internet, nanotechnology, and more, and there really is no comparison between daily life today and life in years gone by.
Speaking of air travel...I‘ve done a hefty amount of flying through the years for ministry engagements. I don’t fly much anymore, but I recall in great detail how exciting it always was when I would get upgraded to first class because of my frequent flier status. I remember the first time I found myself enjoying some of the finer luxuries in life, like elbow room, overhead bin space, and a meal that you don't have to eat with your fingers. It was wonderful. As my mind wandered to the less fortunate souls sitting in coach, I thought: Ahhh! By comparison, there really is no comparison.
And then there’s music. It is hard for younger folks like my children to comprehend what listening to music used to be like. It seems like just yesterday I was singing along to my Dad's old reel-to-reel tapes in the living room of our Connecticut house. I was quite the karaoke star long before karaoke became the rage. I'm too embarrassed to reveal whose music was on that old reel-to-reel tape, but I'll give you a hint: His last name is Manilow and his first name starts with a "B." Have you listened to any reel-to-reel tapes lately? Or even a cassette tape? What a difference! By comparison with today's digital MP3s, or Pandora, or Spotify, there really is no comparison.
But there is one comparison that transcends all others. It is the comparison between life with Christ and life without Christ. Without Christ, even the most enjoyable moments are devoid of meaning. Without Christ, all the riches in the world can't buy everlasting hope. Without Christ, pain and suffering have no resolution. Without Christ, relationships are superficial and fleeting. Without Christ, every victory is hollow and short-lived. Without Christ, the future is uncertain. Without Christ, all is vanity.
Everything pales in comparison to the greatness of knowing Jesus Christ, God's Son and our Savior. With Christ, we can rejoice no matter what the circumstance. With Christ, we can see the unseen. With Christ, we can walk through the valley. With Christ, even the worst of times fade beneath the glory of knowing Him. With Christ, all things are possible. With Christ, priorities become clear. With Christ, all of our accomplishments, self-attainments, and reasons to boast become far less important as we realize what really matters most. Life with Christ versus life without Him...by comparison there really is no comparison. Do you know Christ? If not, let me urge you to place your faith in Him today, as the only hope for eternal life. He loves you so much that He died and rose again to pay your penalty for sin. Trust Him today for salvation.
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