Articles
All Things But Loss
Saul of Tarsus knew the truth. He had seen the Lord and had talked with Him. For three days he had been blind, and had not been able to eat or to drink. He was fully persuaded that Jesus was not an imposter, but was truly the Son of God. The Christians whom he had persecuted were not blind heretics; they were the true followers of God. He had been told by Ananias to "Arise, and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16) He understood that command, and wanted to be a Christian and have hope of eternal life, but there was a lot to be considered.
How could Saul turn his back on his trusted teacher, Gamaliel? And what would his fellow Pharisees think? And there were Dad and Mother who had raised him so strictly in the ways of the Law. Besides, Saul had made a name for himself among the Jews, having "profited in the Jews' religion above many (his) equals in (his) own nation." (Gal. 1:14) Too, Saul would lose his financial support. Who would care for him? The sacrifices were too great. He would have to tell Ananias that he just couldn't obey the gospel.
No! No! No! Not Saul of Tarsus! He knew the value of his soul and the meaning of eternity. If he ever questioned what to do as he faced heaven's invitation, the scriptures do not reveal it. His mind was made up, and he expressed his determination in the following words: "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." (Phil. 2:7, 8)
Many readers of this paper need to follow the example of Saul of Tarsus. Christ calls. His invitation is ex-tended. There are many obstacles. But all things must be counted loss for Him. Will heaven's invitation be rejected by you, my friend?
