Transformed – teen devotion – April 6, 2025

One key truth: Jesus Christ is the real treasure that makes us rich—only in him do we find true worth.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, 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 is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:7-9, 13-14

Hiding Treasure in the Trash

In today’s world, it feels like everything revolves around the “stuff” we have, right? “If I can just live in a bigger house… if I can only make more money… if I could just get this or that…” It’s easy to get caught up in that mindset, but it misses the bigger picture. All this “stuff” can feel important, but when you look at it, it’s actually kind of meaningless.

We all get why it’s tempting, though. Maybe it’s a pair of limited-edition sneakers that you feel like you have to have. Or maybe it’s convincing yourself that the clothes you wear, the car you drive, or the people you hang out with will define your happiness and how others see you.

But here’s the thing: if you ever catch yourself stressing over all the material stuff in life, today’s reading is for you. Check this out: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, 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 is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

Jesus is everything, young friends. In the end, nothing else really matters. The car you drive, the house you own, even the job you love—all that stuff is temporary. Health fades, youth passes, but Jesus? He lasts forever.

When we understand this, it changes everything. We can see clearly what’s “trash” and what’s “treasure.” And with that, we can press on each day, knowing that we’re chasing after something eternal—the goal that God has called us toward in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:
You are my glory and my treasure, Almighty God. Jesus’ sacrifice is my salvation. Help me remember this truth every day and keep me close to you. Amen.