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— [philippians 3:8-9]
what would it take for us to take this seriously in our own lives? what would it take for me to seriously count everything as loss? what would it take you?
why did paul do it?
“in order that i may gain Christ.”
we are not called to avoid putting our identity, pride, or treasure in things of this world so we can be better or more moral people. we are called to count these things as rubbish because it brings us closer to the heart of God.
after presenting how laying down the things of the world and choosing Jesus grants us his righteous, he says this in verse 10:
“that i may know him and the power of his resurrection…”
to paul, laying down anything and everything was so worth it to know Jesus… to know God.
is it worth it to you?
relationship with God is ours through Jesus. righteousness is yours through Jesus.
rather than try harder to love the world less, today, let’s ask God to change our hearts to long for nothing but him. whatever he has to do.
make it so, Lord.
amen.