But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 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 (Philippians 3:7-8).
Where do we place our confidence? Paul had every reason to be confident. He had the prestige, the position, the power, the pedigree, and the ability. Yet Paul considered it all as rubbish, like excrement or garbage, in comparison to knowing Christ. He recognized the treasure he found in Christ and understood that nothing compared to his relationship with Him; everything else was meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:2-8, Philippians 3:4-6).
All these things that Paul considered as rubbish are the very things that the world holds dear. Here is where we must be vigilant and ensure that we do not regard any of these worldly accolades as more important than our relationship with Jesus. For example, in the parable of the rich young ruler, Jesus addressed the one thing the young man held dear: his attachment to the world (Matthew 19:16-22).
Paul focused on a heavenly mindset, allowing him to be so heavenly-minded that he could be of earthly good. He dismissed those things that would impress the world, viewed them as garbage, and began to seek how Jesus was working in the world as the true treasure amidst the dirt. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The call of Jesus teaches us that our relation to the world has been built on an illusion.”
As we learn to deny what impresses us in this world and look solely to Christ for all satisfaction, we become aware of the traps and illusions of worldly life. Paul elaborates on this in Philippians 4:12-13, where he shares that he has found the secret to contentment: he can do all things through Christ who gives him strength. He was able to live in plenty or in want, why? Because Jesus carried him through.
This understanding is why Paul could say, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He knew what was truly better.
inspired by David Nasser call to die
I live in content with the things I have and do not allow most things to “get to me”. I find it easier to help those in need when I see that they are also willing to help themselves too. I have a hard time giving away my time, energy and finances to lazy people. I’m pretty confident that that is something I need to work on. It seems like I’m willing to give up my possessions, but only on my terms – ouch!
Personally I have learned a lot the past four years. I learned to live with less. In the past I chased worldly things money Big fancy career when in the end it means nothing. Doesn’t matter what the career is Or was Doctor, lawyer, military , Engineer Unless you’re doing it for God again it means nothing…
God has taught me that you don’t need those things to be happy. Must remain focused… and do all things for christ..
John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
I can relate to Paul in this aspect. I have not been a devoted Christian for very long. It’s probably only been around eight years now, and I have found that it has become difficult to fit in with my old friend groups, and my current work associates. This has not been easy for me as someone who used to find it very easy to fit in and be socially successful. I find that the only place where I feel fully accepted is when I am at church or with my church friends. Sometimes the old Justin will creep out when I am around those old friends or at work, and everyone loves him, except me and God. I still have a long way to go in truly dying to self.