Surpassing Worth of Knowing Jesus

This morning I felt led to read from Paul’s letter to the Philippians 3:3-8 NIV:

[3] “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— [4] though I myself have reasons for such confidence. 

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 

[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 knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”

As I was reading these this morning I was thinking about our idea of righteous living, being a good person, getting to heaven because of our actions.  Paul grabs a shovel and buries that sort of thinking here, for that is nothing more than a repackaging of the Law, without all the blood sacrifices.

Paul, who had lived a faultless life according to the Law, understood that none of that mattered!  It was only through knowing Jesus, through gaining Him relationally, that has any eternal value, if you will.  He speaks of considering all of that former (self) righteousness as garbage compared to gaining Christ, the Greek word here meaning to gain His favor and fellowship.

I guess we could step back and say that the former self-righteousness has some value, as does being a good person.  I liken it to finding a $20 bill in the street; its good, provides some value, might even provide a meal, but compared to eternal life, and being a co-heir with Christ, being an adopted daughter or son of the Father, that $20 is almost worthless. 

All of our best efforts will not replace relationship with Christ Jesus, and He has done all things required for our entering into relationship with Him, with the exception of choosing Him.  He does not force us into relationship with Him, it must be our choice, but everything else is already accomplished.  We can’t do anything to earn an invitation, it is already there in front of us, waiting to be responded to!  

It is interesting how many, when provided the opportunity to enter a relationship with Him, turn away to other things, in a vain attempt to gain what is waiting for them through relationship.  For whatever reason, whether pride, unbelief that it could be so simple, feelings of unworthiness, there are those that turn away when provided the invitation.  

The most amazing thing is that Christ will never withdraw the invitation, no matter the life choices, or how many times He has been rejected, there is always a path open, and He is waiting with open arms to welcome us all!  He has made the way and paid the price for us all.  His constant pursuit of us, and showering His favor on us, in spite of our waywardness, is just a reflection of His eternal character and love!  He is love!  He is Good.  He is our Light and Life. 

Let us consider our lives and see if wee have somehow decided that we are earning what He is freely giving us!  Let us look and see if we assign highest value to our relationship with Him!

As Paul writes, all else is garbage compared to gaining Christ!

Amen and Amen!