Counting All Things As Loss

 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ - Philippians 3:8.                 

           Paul was born in Tarsus and educated by Gamaliel, a famous teacher. I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today - Acts 22:3. He was circumcised on the eight day and he was of the tribe of Benjamin.

           Paul was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, a Pharisee and a persecutor of the Church. Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ - Philippians 3:5-7. He considered all things that are gain to him as loss for the sake of Christ.

               Paul says that all his accomplishments were rubbish and he counts all things as loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ. Nothing brings us more joy than knowing about Christ. All our fleshly accomplishments are temporary. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind - Ecclesiastes 1:14. Let us put all our confidence in Christ and not in our achievements.                                                

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us consider everything that are gain to us as loss for Your sake. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.