Why You Should Analyze Spiritual Gains And Material Losses

I have learned that focusing more on our losses in the past will cause us to lose sight of spiritual gains that are purposed to replace those losses in the future.

Gains and losses are part of life.

I believe that when practicing Christians lose, God has a plan and way of restoring or replacing what we lost with something better and more valuable. Usually, it requires an attitude change on our part before we can even attempt to make sense out of what we have experienced. For example, a company layoff opens the door for entrepreneur ventures or promotions with a higher pay raise.

Maintain a God Perspective.

If we do not assess the gains as being more valuable than what we lost, at least from God’s perspective, we may never realize that it was part of God’s plan. We will not appreciate the goodness and sovereignty of God. Why? We focus too much on our loss! We cry as if we are hopeless while looking backward rather than forward to the possibilities of having better and being greater in God’s grace.

The Danger of Carnal Analysis.

Could it be that making carnal analyzes is an issue for us? Since our thoughts are not like God’s, what we consider as losses may be what God considers as gains or vice versa. The problem with our carnal analysis is that we calculate from a worldly system of operation. We focus on past experiences and unpleasant current circumstances. If we itemize our losses and gains from a worldly perspective rather than a Kingdom view, we can be deceived and convinced that God is untrustworthy. That’s a lie from the father of lies—Satan!

God is for us!

From the beginning, God has always wanted the best for us. Unfortunately, our small thinking makes us itemize our gains and losses from a faulty and unstable perspective rather than align with God’s way of operation. No, it does not mean our losses are unimportant. No, it does not mean what we lost is insignificant to God. However, it means God sees beyond the here and now. Remember, God’s thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). He made provision for us to live an abundant life, by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin. He provided His indwelling Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead to dwell in us so that we can live free from sin’s bondage. We are the called according to His purpose; justified. Our destiny was predetermined. If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Read Romans 8:1-39.

Kingdom Values vs. Earthly Values

So often, what is valuable to us, based on our limited knowledge and understanding, has no actual value in the Kingdom of God. What we consider valuable serves no use in God’s eternal purpose. For example, Apostle Paul came to a point in his life when he made an analysis of his gains and losses. He itemized using the same value system as God. Paraphrasing, he said in Philippians 3:7-11, what were his assets (gains) he wrote them off as a loss. Why? The most valuable gain to Paul was having and knowing Christ in the power of His resurrection, and participation in his sufferings.

No one wants to suffer. Right? Surely, any kind of suffering is considered as ‘loss. Apostle Paul viewed all the suffering he endured for the sake of Christ as gain! That was Paul’s mindset. What about us in this “get and have it all” culture? What are we willing to lose to gain for Christ’s sake?

Unfortunately, some Christians panic when they lose materials things. No one should deny the truth that it is heartbreaking to lose anything considered as valuable. However, just as our personal values differ, so do materialistic values. They depreciate. But with God, our gains have an eternal value that never depreciates.

I believe that one of the most tear-jerking and painful losses in this life is the death of loved ones. We call it loss of life; however, if we think from God’s perspective, it is gain—eternal gain — if they were followers of Jesus Christ. And I speak from experience. Through all my painful losses, God has always comforted, restored, renewed, and helped me to refocus on the most valuable asset of all—my relationship with Him.

Checklist of Spiritual Gain

As painful as it may be to lose, we can trust God to work all things together for our good if we love Him and are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Here is a short list of what we can gain spiritually that replaces natural losses.

A more consistent prayer life
Deeper trust and dependency on Christ to sustain us.
Increased faith that looks to God for provisions.
Better stewardship practices.
A more effective witness to the faithfulness and peace of God during life’s storm.
Greater commitment to the work of ministry and helping others in need.
A faithful witness in leading others to receive Jesus Christ into their heart.

God gives you so much more in place of what you lost when you trust Him as your Source.

Conclusion

Beloved, remember focusing on our losses, cause us to lose sight of our spiritual gain. Also, like Apostle Paul, we have not been perfected yet, but let’s press forward and grab hold of what God desires for us.

Let’s press in to get to that place where God is calling us to reach in Christ Jesus.

Let’s not focus on our past losses and what we have left behind so much that we miss what God wants to do in our lives now and what He has destined for our future.

Yes, Lord, is our greatest response to God! It is our permissive submission to God that says we will keep pressing forward in faith, be obedient to His Word, trust Him to be our God because we know that even if we lose in this life, we are still victorious and will gain more than we can ever lose.