“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ– the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Phil.3:7-12 (NIV)
Knowing Christ is more precious – more valuable – than anything else. Such a perspective certainly runs contrary to contemporary wisdom. In our society, selfishness, greed and concern for one’s own interests seem to be the order of the day.
Let’s consider our past lives, our personal skills and abilities, our family heritage, our religious beliefs and connections, and our personal ethics. Paul considered all of these as worthless in comparison to knowing Christ. Nothing he had previously known and valued could compare to the significance of knowing Christ.
At the very core of Paul’s perspective is desire and trust. What do I desire? What do I trust in order to achieve my desire? As important as family, tradition, and cultural connections may be, will they draw us nearer to Christ? As important as personal expertise may be, can it produce Christ-like behavior? As important as doctrinal beliefs and affiliations may be, can they give us intimacy with Christ? As important as zeal and Christian issues are, will they bring us to the full maturity of Christ? We all know the answer to these questions. No, on all accounts.
There is nothing more valuable than knowing Christ. There are no greater goals than these: to be found in him, to know him, to know the power of his resurrection, to know the fellowship of his sufferings, to be conformed to him, and to take hold of that for which Jesus took hold of us. It is a continuing quest . . . sweeter gets the journey everyday!
Dear Father, thank you for the opportunity of knowing Christ. I confess that I have not attained the level of knowing you that I desire. Deliver me from the affections of this world and give me a greater desire for Christ. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in your quest of Christ,