Christ or Everything Else

Devotion: Philippians 3:8-11

After recounting the reason the Apostle Paul would have for confidence in his own merit, he quickly dismisses any of these as they are of no value when compared with knowing Christ:

"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, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead." -Philippians 3:8-11 (ESV)

The Apostle basically has a choice. He can choose everything else or Christ. He can attempt to stand on his own adherence to the Law or faith in Christ Jesus. He can put forward his own righteousness or be found covered in the righteousness of Christ. The Apostle is clear that the first, standing on his own, will lead to eternal death and the latter, faith in Christ, will lead to eternal life. The cost of everything, then, is worth it to receive Christ.
Now, as the Apostle Paul was in prison and awaiting trial for his life because of the proclamation of the Gospel his mention of sharing in the suffering of Christ is more than academic. He really was suffering for Christ. To many suffering is a sign of God's disfavor, but to the Christian who understands that our salvation comes through the suffering of Christ, to suffer is to draw closer to Christ and appreciate all the more just how wonderful is our salvation.
There is indeed nothing that compares to the wonder of salvation through faith in Christ. Like the Apostle, may we all consider everything else that would shape and define who we are and what we do as rubbish.

News for You:

• Do not forget to spring forward one hour this week (3/11) for Daylight Saving Time or risk being late to church!
• The Green Potluck will be this Sunday, March 12. Please bring something green to share.
• Holy Week services are as follows:
• Maundy Thursday (4/13): A service of confession and communion at CPC 7 p.m.
• Good Friday (4/14): Community worship service at Cornerstone at 7 p.m.
• Resurrection Sunday (4/16): A service of celebration at CPC 10 a.m.