That I May Gain Christ

Daily Reading:  Philippians 3

Scripture Focus:  But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of 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. (Philippians 3.7-8)

Devotional Thought: Across the centuries, many, many Christians have turned to Philippians 3, our chapter for today, for help and encouragement: Rejoice in the Lord!  Press on toward the goal!  But, are our hearts just as moved when we read that Paul lost all things and gained Christ?

That flies in the face of our normal attitude, doesn’t it?

Centuries ago, God promised Joshua: “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you” (Joshua 1.3).  Reading that, I began to march through the sanctuary where I was the pastor - claiming every place that I tread upon.  That’s a good prayer.  Isn’t it?  I want God to give us freedom and obedience in every corner of the sanctuary – from the pulpit to the pews, from the drums to the sound booth.  Whenever we pray such a prayer, we need to be thoughtful.  We need to examine our motives.  Am I willing to “lose the pews” for the sake of Christ?  Would I rather know Christ than have freedom and power in worship?  I know it’s not an either/or proposition, but I must consider everything besides knowing Christ as “rubbish.”

Oh, dear friend, I want to gain Christ, to be found in him!  If that means losing everything else, then – with the help of God – I will lose everything else!  That is not easy to say, much less to experience. 

What is it that you hold onto in place of Christ?  Is there anything?  Release it to him, for nothing can compare “to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Prayer: O Jesus!  I want to know you.  I release everything else in order that I may gain you!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 132.6-10

6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.

7 “Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool! ”

8 Arise, O Lord, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.

9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your saints shout for joy.

10 For the sake of your servant David, do not turn away the face of your anointed one.