THE EXCHANGE
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ.
Philippians 3:7-8 (NASB)
As a college student, I remember discussing this passage with a friend. We were out and about on a study break, taking a walk around campus in downtown Columbia SC where we eventually ended up on the steps of the State Capitol. As we sat and talked, these words from Paul, writing from a Roman prison, came up in our conversation and began to really resonate with me and challenge me.
Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, just relegated anything of gain to him (status, titles, accomplishments, possessions) to the category of rubbish (trash) compared to knowing Christ. He then goes on to say that he counts all things to be loss compared to knowing Christ. Wow! Paul was no societal downcast. He was revered and respected among the Hebrew elite and had much in his gain column. For Paul, that all changed one day on the road to Damascus. I started thinking about the value Paul ascribed to knowing Christ compared to his former life, and so for me, how did my relationship with Christ really align with the top items on my gain list?
One author and speaker, when discussing her conversion to Christ, often challenges her audience with the following words: The Gospel (Good News of Christ) comes in exchange for the life we love, not in addition to it.
Is Christ merely an add-on to all that I have going on in my life, or is He the one thing, so valuable, that He determines the course and content of all else in my life?
APPLICATION: Pause and be still momentarily to hear Jesus’ voice. Ask Him: Jesus, what in my life is competing with / distracting me from knowing You?
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for the gift of eternal life that comes by faith through trusting in You. By Your grace, help me exchange my gains for the supreme value that nothing is better than knowing You. Amen
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?