J.I. Packer once asked, ‘What normal person spends his time nostalgically dreaming of dung?’
One who doesn’t understand Philippians 3.7–10:
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith — that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…
I can only have this zeal to put things behind me…not just old memories or bad memories, but things present and even future. Things. Stuff. That which keeps me from truly knowing God. That might even include putting aside all the ‘stuff’ I know about God, but never do anything with or about.
At the very least, it means that my mind is changed, transformed, renewed. It takes every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. My mind and thoughts are filled with and centered upon God. Prayer becomes an unceasing habit. The thoughts I have of God get expressed…ultimately in prayer! And the change that comes over me is one of great contentment, a resting in and upon the Lord Jesus Christ, my all-sufficient One.
So, what are your dreams made of?
