“7But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8Indeed, 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 9and 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—10that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” – Philippians 3:7-11 (ESV)
I need to give up on my attainment and recognition here in this world. Everything that I have gained here, is “rubbish”. I should focus on the task of gaining “Christ” and being “found in him”.
Paul is clear in Chapter 3 of Philippians that if anyone could count himself as worthy, it would be he. His status prior to following Christ was one of importance and learned. He was revered and even was a persecutor of Christians. However, even he counted all of that recognition and notoriety as fleeting based on his new found goals of “becoming like” Christ.
Paul was jailed, and persecuted for his beliefs and his following of Christ, and yet he counted himself as content as he knew and understood his place here and his coming reward in heaven.
“11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” – Philippians 4:11 (ESV)
I should be taking my cues from Paul as he wrote to the Philippians and be content. I should be counting everything as the rubbish it is today and be looking forward to my reward in heaven.
What are you looking to for your worth? Are you seeing your accomplishments and recognition here as a representation of your worth? Are you able to look to Christ for your worth?
Trevor's Thoughts 