Scripture | “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” Philippians 3:8
Observation | Paul had the greatest religious achievements (v.3-6) he could count as “gain,” but instead he counted them as a loss for the sake of Christ (v.7). This is true humility. Not a turning away from living for God or being obedient to His Word, but to count even selfish pride of such deeds and achievements as loss compared to Christ. See Luke 17:7–10 for more on such a humble view of our obedient and holy living.
The lesson in this verse also teaches the greatest exchange of gain we could imagine. We give up everything and get Christ. This is both amazing and unfair. This “loss” is an exchange of something of much less value (our lives, possessions and achievements) to “gain” something of extraordinary value (Jesus, and the life of salvation that follows Him). This is just like the parable of the hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44) there is joy over such a giving up of all that we have and are! Such exchange reminds me of why early on in my faith I willingly and eagerly give up my addictions, such as video games. I had found something of greater value to give my life over to. Jesus and His Word!
Notice “all things” are worth losing and counting as “rubbish quote which is a pile of dung. “All things” is all inclusive. It’s not worth it to devout our lives to anything that does not help us gaining and glorify Christ.
Application | What keeps me from growing my faith in my savior and obedience to my lord? What accomplishments or things of this world do I need to count as a loss? How can I quote cash in quote on this great exchange more today?
Prayer | Father, give me eyes to see the accomplishments and possessions of my life in comparison to You. To the unmeasurable value of Your love, eternal life in Jesus, and the treasure of heaven. By the power of Your Word working in me, help me to count all things as loss and rubbish compared to having trust and being obedient to Your Word. Let Christ, as my Savior and my Lord become the greatest treasure of my heart, so that I would joyfully give all that I have to follow and glorify Him. Thank you, that I know my great failures in this, yet you loved me and forgave me. Let me not abuse such a love, but instead respond by letting go of those things that do not glorify you and living in repentance for Your glory alone. Amen.
