stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 3:7-8)

A good friend named to his university’s “All-Decade” basketball team told me an interesting story.  He visited his school’s athletic department, where his picture and trophies were once on display, only to find they had been taken down ten years later.  He found them in a box in a closet labeled “throw away.” He said that’s when he realized how foolish it was once to find worth and identity in temporary worldly accomplishments. What he used to consider profit was now loss. When I asked him if he had brought his trophies home, he said, “Nah, I left them in the garbage pile where they belong.”

In Philippians 3:7-8, Paul said the same but on a grander scale. Way bigger than basketball, Paul had placed confidence in his fleshly accomplishments and heritage for eternal salvation.  He said, “But whatever was to my profit, I now consider loss for the sake of knowing Christ.” After being saved by Christ, he considered everything, not just his significant accomplishments, a loss to the saving knowledge of Christ.  He had considered and reflected on the value of his life’s achievements and their effectiveness in saving his soul. What He once thought gain now was loss.  Those things were significant to him at one time – of eternal value.  Now they were loss.

Not only were they loss, but viewed through the lens of Christ, the achievements and heritage Paul previously based his salvation on were rubbish. The word “rubbish” can mean dung or food scraps. What was once “choice delicacies” were now “excrement.” It’s amazing how the value of things changes when we look at them with eternal eyes. What Paul once held dear, he gladly gave up to know Christ. Paul knew achievements and heritage can be stumbling blocks to coming to Christ. Paul didn’t give up unimportant leftovers for Jesus. He gave up everything! He didn’t add Jesus to his achievements and heritage. Jesus replaced and superseded them! Possessing Jesus as Savior surpassed anything Paul gained in Judaism. He wasn’t going to let those things keep him from Christ. He demoted being known by them to the dung heap and promoted knowing Christ as his greatest treasure. 

Questions for the Head (Think)

• What are you known for?  

What do you want to be known for?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Is knowing Christ your most prized possession? Would knowing and being found in Christ be enough if every achievement and status were stripped away?

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Make a list of any titles, awards, and achievements you have. Are there any religious accomplishments you’ve placed confidence for salvation in?