Readings for today: Isaiah 66, Philippians 3:4-21, Psalms 74, Proverbs 24:15-16
“Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 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 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 3:4-11)
What defines you? What are you most proud of in your life? Is it your job? Your family? Your personality? Your enneagram type? Is it your accomplishments? Your achievements? The trophies you keep on the shelf? Is it your memories? Your past glories? Is it your race? Your culture? Your sexuality? What defines you? What shapes you? What makes you who you are? What’s at the core of your identity?
The Apostle Paul had all kinds of reasons to boast. All kinds of reasons to be confident in himself. He was the Jew of Jews. Circumcised on the eighth day. A man who could trace his lineage all the way back to Benjamin. Trained as a Pharisee under the tutelage of one of the greatest teachers of his age. Unsurpassed in zeal for his faith, he persecuted Christians. A strict observer of Torah, Paul was blameless according to the Law. Add to this the fact that he was a Roman citizen. A successful businessman. A rising star in Jerusalem. And yet all that he counts as loss for the sake of knowing Christ. He counts all those things as rubbish. Garbage. Things not worth comparing to the surpassing grace of knowing Christ and being found in Him. His righteousness is like a filthy rag compared to the righteousness he receives from Christ. His power is nothing compared to the power of Christ’s resurrection. In short, Paul willingly and joyfully relinquishes everything he has and all that he is in exchange for Christ.
What about you? What about me? I lived the American Dream. Loving family. Middle class lifestyle. Good student. Varsity athlete. Eagle Scout. College graduate. Youngest hospital manager in history. Ivy League education. Best preacher of my class. Successful pastor. Adjunct professor. International speaker. Denominational leader. Husband to my best friend. Father of four great kids. I am blessed beyond all measure and all of it is simply not worth comparing to the love I have for Christ. To the love He has for me. All of it is rubbish. Garbage. Filthy rags in comparison to the righteousness Christ won for me on the Cross. I would trade all of it in an instant if I might share in His sufferings and gain the power of His resurrection in my life.
Christ gave up everything for me. How can I not do the same? And lest you think I lead a charmed life, there is a darker side to my story as well. I grew up in an alcoholic home. Endured the uncertainty of job losses and business failures. Sometimes wondered where my next meal would come from. I was lonely. Anxious. Afraid most of the time. I had no spiritual center. I flunked out of college. Drank my way into oblivion. Barely made ends meet when I first got married. Lived on public assistance for most of the early years of my marriage. Struggled through grad school. Failed as a church planter. Let me wife and kids down on more than one occasion. I have not always been a good husband and my anger issues made me difficult to live with at times. And still Christ loves me. Still Christ gave Himself for me. Still Christ laid His life down for me.
The core of my identity is Christ. I am a wretched sinner but Christ is a great Savior. I bring nothing to the table that He has not already given me. I offer nothing back to Him of worth or value. I simply bring myself - warts and all - and it is enough. It is all Christ wants. It is all Christ desires. It is why He came. To claim me as His own forever. To capture my heart once and for all. To deliver me from the prison of my sin and suffering and self-affliction. To offer me His life in place of my despair. I am humbled when I consider all He has done for me. I am filled with gratitude and thankfulness. My heart overflows with joy. Thanks be to Christ for His inexpressible gift!
Readings for tomorrow: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30, Philippians 4, Psalms 75, Proverbs 24:17-20