Worthless compared with infinite value

Philippians 3:7-11

⁷ I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. ⁸ Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ ⁹ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, ¹¹ so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

Prior to this passage the Apostle Paul is listing off his religious accomplishments.  His religious obedience of circumcision, his human efforts to obey the law, his strictest obedience to follow Jewish law perfectly and his zealous persecution of the church.

All these he now realises are nothing counting them as “garbage” when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.  His encounter with Jesus Christ transformed his heart, his mind and then his actions. 

All of a sudden all of our actions even our good ones are now really worthless compared to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.  Whatever we do is not for religious gain or “points”, it is just measured by love.  Whatever we do for Christ and His church is because of His love.

What strikes me in this passage is there is “no pass mark”.  All it is, is about being adopted into his family and loving and caring for the family.  Laying our lives – everything – down for the message and cause of Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, we know when what we say, do and live, shows to others that we look more like Jesus that our true selves.

Our world needs to see the Gospel before they hear the Gospel.

Lord, thank you for wanting to use us to expand your Kingdom.  It is a privilege to know you and live for you.  Help us Lord to listen to you and to follow your guidance.  Help us to look more like YOU.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Ps. Sue Botta