Philippians 3:7,8
“But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because 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 mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ,”
You have to let go of what you can't keep to gain what you can't lose.
Saul (Paul) had a lot of accolades to his name prior to his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. (Philippians 3:5-6) is quoting Paul as he talks his talk. He says, “I was circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. Paul knew the religious law front and back. You can also assume that he was highly respected and rewarded for being the key piece to persecuting the early followers of Jesus by jailing them, having them beaten and actually holding the coats of the men that stone Stephen to death. (Acts 7:54-60)
This man Paul went on to write 48% - 50% of the New Testament! Not only did Paul consider his accolades and other things that he gained as mere rubble compared to gaining Christ, he would have also had to let go of the condemnation from the horrible things he had done. God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
What is it that you may need to let go of to gain Christ? Is it church hurt? The people in church that hurt you are responsible for their actions. That’s not on Jesus. Do you need to reshuffle your accolades in order to prioritize Christ? Do you need to let go of the fear of being mocked to gain Christ? Do you need to leave that relationship that you know isn’t right in the sight of the Lord? I’m not only talking about “romantic” relationships. I’m talking any codependent relationship in which you can’t openly express your belief in Jesus.
If you are not saved or know someone that isn’t saved and what I mean by saved is believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior please follow the ABCs of salvation below by repeating.
Accountability- say, Dear God, I am a sinner,
Believe, I believe Jesus Christ is the son of God and that he died for all of my sins, past, present, and future and finished the work on the cross.
Confess - I believe that you resurrected from the grave on the 3rd day and confess you as Lord and Savior of my life. Heavenly Father thank you for sending Jesus to die in my place and I am now the Righteousness of God through Christ Jesus.
After this, simply believe it in your heart.
I’m So Free!!!
Chico