Hebrew of Hebrews
If any one thinks he has reason to put confidence in the flesh I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews: in regard to the law a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:4b-8
Paul had the right idea. He knew that he was nothing without Christ. He knew that all of the trappings of this world were worthless. He knew because he had once had it all and had willingly given it up for Jesus.
Our own position doesn’t matter. Look around, no matter how well off you are, or high up in your profession or church, no matter what your family heritage, I bet you can find someone with more. Or conversely no matter how little you have or feel you matter there is someone with less. Do we understand really, that we have it all if we have Jesus Christ in our lives? If you are at the top are you willing to be at the bottom to keep your relationship with Christ? If you are on the very bottom of the ladder are you willing to climb up to retain your relationship with God?
In Paul’s case he had to relinquish his position with the Pharisees, give up the life he was used to living, to preach Christ to the world. Sometimes there is as much of a sense of pride in being at the bottom. When God calls us to receive a blessing we are too afraid that we will look less committed to Christ if we accept. There is a false sense of humility to which some people want to cling.
Whatever Christ is calling you to relinquish for His sake, do it. The true reward is surely worth the perceived sacrifice. Wouldn’t you hate to say no and miss out on the opportunity to have an impact like Paul’s?
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:4b-8
Paul had the right idea. He knew that he was nothing without Christ. He knew that all of the trappings of this world were worthless. He knew because he had once had it all and had willingly given it up for Jesus.
Our own position doesn’t matter. Look around, no matter how well off you are, or high up in your profession or church, no matter what your family heritage, I bet you can find someone with more. Or conversely no matter how little you have or feel you matter there is someone with less. Do we understand really, that we have it all if we have Jesus Christ in our lives? If you are at the top are you willing to be at the bottom to keep your relationship with Christ? If you are on the very bottom of the ladder are you willing to climb up to retain your relationship with God?
In Paul’s case he had to relinquish his position with the Pharisees, give up the life he was used to living, to preach Christ to the world. Sometimes there is as much of a sense of pride in being at the bottom. When God calls us to receive a blessing we are too afraid that we will look less committed to Christ if we accept. There is a false sense of humility to which some people want to cling.
Whatever Christ is calling you to relinquish for His sake, do it. The true reward is surely worth the perceived sacrifice. Wouldn’t you hate to say no and miss out on the opportunity to have an impact like Paul’s?
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