COUNTED AS LOSS

“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” ~ Philippians 3:7

REFERENCE:

Philippians 3:3-8

From childhood, parents push their children to excel in sports, academics, music, etc. As adults, we pat ourselves on the back when we see a healthy bank balance, academic degrees, family, ancestry, etc. If a man has all these accolades, what will make him consider them a loss?

Paul was a man of enviable achievements. He had the advantages of birth, education, and external obedience to the law. He stood out amongst his contemporaries in almost anything that any man could brag in. By listing them out in our text, Paul prided himself in them and must have conducted himself accordingly. When he found salvation, he realized that these things hindered him from having a full knowledge of Christ, and God did not need them to use him. He must ‘let go’ these accolades, considering them a loss in order to gain Christ.

Paul’s achievements gave him a good rating and medals of achievements, opened doors to positions of honor, and gratified his aspirations and ambition. He later saw that in growing in Christ and being of use to Him, these things mean nothing; hence, Paul was quick to count them as loss – a hindrance and disadvantage. In Christ, outward medals count for nothing but a heart of holiness and submission. All that Paul thought meant something did not advance him in holiness but robbed him of faith, humility, and surrender, which are of great value before God.

Walking with Christ does not depend on human achievements. God is not impressed by money, beauty, family background, race, sex, or even external show of piety. Salvation is the work of grace in the heart. Many believers do not understand this and expect God to treat them uniquely because of certain earthly benefits or traits. No! There is no ‘special’ regard for being a Jew, Greek, male, female, free, or slave, but faith in Christ. It takes humility to know and grow in Christ. No wonder Paul (formerly Saul) chose his name, which means little (small).

Do you desire to grow in Christ and have Him do great things through you? Look at the things you consider as gain (being products of your effort and hustle), and count them as loss because knowing and serving Christ is significant gain. There is nothing wrong with making a success of your life and career, but when it comes to Christ, that is secondary. The holiness of life is better than money, obedience is better than knowledge, and being in the family of God is better than being born to a royal family. Ultimately, our relationship with Christ crosses over to ‘the other side’ with us. So, let anything that hinders your race be counted as a loss.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL TEXTS:

Galatians 3:26-29, Jeremiah 9:23-24, and Mark 8:36

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PRAYERS:

+ Lord, I refuse to put confidence in the things I have accomplished in the flesh.

+ I make You my ultimate accomplishment. I receive the grace to count as loss anything that does not help me to grow in Christ.

+ Help me to understand Kingdom profit and loss, so that I will always make the right bargain in all areas of my life.