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. - Philippians 3:7-9

Dear Jesus, I have spent enough of my life trying to feel good about myself by how good others think of me and my performance. It seems that once I muscle my way to the top of the pile, and stagger to my feet, the feeling of contentment and accomplishment fade as fast as cotton candy and I am left looking at the next hill to climb hoping desperately that it is the right hill to give me self-worth and a sense of value in my person. But the hundred disappointing hills that I conquered that lay behind me are testimony to the futility of such a life. I love it that you tell me that you have given me your success and your worth. Now I have a new pursuit, to love you and others from a heart freed from self-actualization. I am right with you and the world is right for me as a place to serve. Thank you for rescuing me from the awful treadmill of selfish ambition. AMEN

"If you have been freed from needing success and acclaim to feel good about yourself, you know that grace has visited you." - Paul David Tripp