Theme of the Week: Book of the Bible – Philippians
Bible Verse: What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8
Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:1-9
I drive a Ford Focus. One of my co-workers does as well. Mine is a four-door sedan while his is a hatchback. His is newer than mine. His is red and mine is silver. Sometimes, we compare to see who has the better car. It is a very light competition and we do it mostly to amuse ourselves.
One day, a friend of mine leant me his car for the afternoon. It was a Lamborghini Aventador. He tossed me the keys and told me to bring the car back in a few hours. Now, that was a fun ride. Do you know what I never thought about while I was cruising around in that beautiful machine? I never thought about whose Ford Focus was better. I was driving something that erased all those insignificant comparisons.
This is a bit of what Paul is talking about here. When he looks at his successes in life, the things that he accomplished, he can boast a bit. It’s not a bad resume. He did things that a lot of his Jewish peers would be envious of.
But, when he compares those things to who Christ is and what Christ has done, they mean nothing. He calls them garbage. They are in the loss column compared to what he now has in Jesus.
Because we can lose sight of eternity, we can mistakenly think that our successes and trophies are what make up our identity in this life. We couldn’t be farther from the truth. They mean nothing in the light of eternity. And they mean nothing in comparison to what Jesus has done for us.
Paul is enamored with Christ. All he wants is Jesus; nothing else really matters.
And because of that perspective, Paul lived the best life he could have. He was used powerfully by God and made a huge difference in the world even though he lost much in the process.
Jesus is the best thing to ever happen to any of us. Let’s live with that truth always in the forefront of our minds.
Prayer: Oh Lord Jesus, you are spectacular. You are the greatest inheritance that I could ever hope for. You call me son. You call me friend. You are my constant companion, me leader, my guide, my strength. Keep me from being captivated by the things that don’t matter. This world wants me preoccupied with personal gains, but they add up to a big fat zero in the grand scheme of things. You are my great reward. I love you and I want you more than anything else. Amen.
Reflection: What are you using to measure your wealth and success? Is it your job? Your bank account? Your reputation? Or is it your relationship with Jesus?
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