7 “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowingChrist Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:7-8
I’ve never known a man like Paul. He frequently talks about gains and losses. He speaks of them as if they were a puff of air, as if they mean nothing to him. Remember he had known great wealth. He had known great power and authority. He was previously feared among the Christians; because of his reputation for persecuting them.
After his salvation experience; this man lived out every word of Truth he spoke. He counted his life as nothing in comparison with knowing Christ. Paul was never the same after his journey on the Damascus Road. With the same passion he had persecuted Christ followers; he counted it a privilege to suffer for Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:25 “Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;”
Paul’s loss of “stuff”, his loss of productivity; while suffering from beatings, imprisonment, and exposure to the elements; meant nothing to him. He counted all losses as “rubbish.” There were times he only had the clothes on his back. I would be crying my eyeballs out; whining and complaining but not Paul.
This man witnessed and taught in the midst of all his trials and persecutions. He great love for the Lord Jesus was preeminent, above all else. No hunger, no pain, no disappointment or discouragement would keep Paul from glorifying and honoring his Lord and Savior.
People are drawn to a God; whose follower’s testimony never changes.
In fact; the more Paul was persecuted, the stronger and bolder his witness and teaching became.
Why did Paul count these things as loss? In view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus. How could he count them as rubbish? So that He may gain Christ.
Dear child of the Most High God; may we do the same; count all things as loss; in view of knowing Christ Jesus.
Prayer in Motion:
My Lord and my God; may I pattern my life after Paul. May I count everything as loss; in view of knowing You Jesus. EVERYTHING! It’s in Your Name, I offer up this earnest prayer. Amen
