Knowing Christ Matters Most

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

The riches we seek on earth cannot compare to the riches we will receive in heaven for forsaking the things of this earth… Saul (Paul before his conversion) was held in a high company amongst his peers… He was a (n) educated man who was a member of the counsel; however, we see that even the highest position in this world doesn’t bring true happiness nor contentment…  Saul was always seeking to appease the crowd, he was always seeking the accolades and the praise from his fellowman; however, when he heard the voice on the Damascus road, he writes to the church of Philippi “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ…” This passage taken from Paul’s letter to the church of Philippi examines the element of sacrifice that one must have as a child of God. Paul states that the things he gained in and of the world he counted as a loss for Christ! Not only is it worth noting that nothing in this world can compare to the love and direction of God, but also we see hear that true happiness cannot be obtained nor is it defined by material prosperity... Today so many choose to seek vain glory and even if they obtain it they are left with a void that cannot be filled by man… Paul is saying that we must come to know and understand the fulfillment that we will have in doing the will of God… Paul was “living the dream,” but wasn’t actually living until Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus road… So many of us have dreams today, we have a model of success in our minds and we will stop at nothing to achieve it; however, what we learn today is if that model is not centered around Jesus Christ we will find out (one way or another) that it is truly meaningless and will leave us empty and void… When you are immersed in the word of God and see the blessing that He will pour out on your life, you will agree with Paul and say, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ…” It doesn’t matter what kind of car you drive if you don’t know where you’re going… It doesn’t matter how much money you have if you don’t spend it appropriately… Knowing the plan that God has for you and fulfilling God’s desires will place you in the body of the Lord for all eternity… The riches of this world will never amount to or equate to the riches of Heaven in Christ Jesus… Paul understands today and wants us to realize that our storehouse should be centered in the will of God and not where “moths can corrupt and thieves can steal…” The Excellency of the knowledge of Christ (which is what Paul speaks of) is knowing what Christ has done for you, knowing what Christ will do for you and knowing what Christ has in store for you… When we understand that Christ will never leave us nor forsake us, when we understand that Christ will exalt us, when we understand that Christ will keep us in perfect peace; then we will realize that there is no value in earthly vessel and that there is no greater love than the love of Christ…The book of Hebrews records that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever… Everything on this earth changes, we have four seasons in a year, we see light and dark in a day and we experience all different kinds of changes in our lives every second… The only thing stable is Jesus Christ, I would love to be able to know that my future is secure and my job will stand, but the only thing that is certain is that Christ will always be there… You will suffer, you will have to deal with uncertainty and conflict, but we must hold to the faith that we will ultimately win in Christ! No weapon formed against you shall prosper; this well-known and quoted scripture assures us of victory! Paul goes on to say that it is for Christ that he suffered! Are you willing to suffer for your faith? Are you willing to be tried to show yourself approved? Paul is telling us that by choosing Christ, suffering will surely come, you may lose some family members, friends may cease communication, and islands of isolation may seem to be your common place. Paul is emphasizing that all this suffering is worth knowing the Excellency of Christ. It is worth the hardships to be assured salvation, it is worth the steep mountain to know He will never leave you nor forsake you. NOTHING ON THIS EARTH CAN EQUAL WHAT THE FATHER HAS IN STORE FOR ME!!! Do you believe that?

BE BLESSED!!!