EHP Day 49-Longing to Truly Know Christ
Philippians 3:8-10
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…
Katrina, Harvey, Irma, Maria. Just a few of the scores of recent hurricane names. Year 2017 witnessed 17 major storms including some 10 hurricanes. So many storms we forget which came when. The National Hurricane Center began naming Atlantic storms in 1953.
What is not so easily forgotten is how much unimaginable loss occurs when such violent systems explode in a populated region. People often lose everything. Seemingly worse are the losses incinerated through wind-whipped wild fires. So often, absolutely nothing remains save piles of ash.
The loss of all things. So frequently, so understandably, viewed as a “negative.” Yet not always. Paul the Apostle (“sent one”) indicates that his total loss was not only necessary, but ultimately advantageous. His life’s resume included an impressive array of personal, professional (mostly religious) accomplishments. However, as long as Paul clung to them, he would miss life’s most important opportunity; namely, to gain Christ. To be found in Him. To have a given (not earned) righteousness not of his own, but the true righteousness available ONLY through faith in Christ. To KNOW Christ, both in His power and in His suffering.
To know the Lord Jesus Christ in every way, in every portion and part of one’s life is worth the loss of anything else. Such losses score an eternal win.
Journal Notes