Have you “lost” anything for Christ’s sake?

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
(Philippians 3:7-8).
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In Philippians chapter 3, Paul lists seven important accomplishments to his credit in his Jewish religion. (Philippians 3:1-6). He had very impressive accomplishments before he came to know Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. However, once he came into a personal relationship with Christ, his perspective and priority in life completely shifted from his worldly accomplishments, to the precious and priceless Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:7 & 8 give us Paul’s contrast between what he had in the world before, and what he had found in Christ. These two verses are very powerful, and worthy of our consideration and imitation. The three letter word “BUT” changed Paul’s perspective and priority in life before and after he found his riches in Christ Jesus. Let us observe the following:

1. WHAT THINGS WERE GAIN TO ME.(verse 7a). Paul here is referring to his worldly accomplishments. He was an accomplished and respected leader of the Jewish religion. He came from the tribe of Benjamin that gave Israel their first king, in the person of Saul. Paul was a strict Pharisee, very zealous. He could say, “… touching (concerning or with regard to) the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Philippians 3:6). Paul had power, position, privilege, possessions and fame. These were gains or accomplishments he had attained before Jesus Christ apprehended him on the road to Damascus. What are your accomplishments or your gains in this world? Do they compare to what the Apostle Paul had to his credit?

2. WHAT THINGS WERE GAIN TO ME, I COUNTED LOSS FOR CHRIST.
This is a powerful declaration by the Apostle Paul. In effect Paul is saying: “All my worldly greatness, pedigree, position and possessions do not compare to what I have in Jesus now.” Paul compared all had before he met Christ, and all he had now in Christ, and concluded that what he had before, were human accomplishments which were insignificant and unimportant, compared to the treasures he found in Christ. He had a better position and privilege in Christ. He willingly and gladly let go of those worldly accomplishments for Christ’s sake. He has to lose these to gain Christ. He chose Christ over everything he had attained before conversion and transformation. Beloved, we cannot attain greatness and true satisfaction in this world until we are willing to lose all worldly entanglements to focus on Jesus Christ.

In Luke 14:26-27 Jesus’ teaching on discipleship is that we must give him the preeminence, first place in our lives, in everything we do. To serve Christ effectively, we must, as a matter of necessity, let certain things that are dear to us, but can hinder our growth and total commitment to the Lord, go. Anything we lose or sacrifice for Christ’s sake will lead to greatness in Christ, and better and superior accomplishments.

Are you ready and willing, like the Apostle Paul, to let go of your worldly accomplishments which restrain you, to fully commit to Christ and His cause? Have you ‘lost’ anything for Christ’s sake since He saved you from your sins, and called you unto service?
May this year be a year of total commitment to the service of God. Whatever you lose for Christ’s sake will lead to greatness, and greater and lasting accomplishments.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

May the Lord give us grace enough to help us give Him first place in our lives, and give Him our all, our accomplishments, our possessions, and anything that may hinder our growth and service unto Him. Shalom.

OUR PRAYER
Thank you Lord for giving me everything I needed in the past year. You provided all my necessary needs, you protected and preserved me. Help me, LORD, to give up anything that may hinder my growth in you and my commitment to your service. Help me to put my all on the altar for Christ’s sake. Amen.