“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, 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 is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” Philippians 3:8-9 NIV
There is absolutely nothing that compares with knowing Christ; nothing is worth more! I would give up everything, if necessary, to hold onto my relationship with Jesus. It really is that satisfying! It really is that good!
As much as we value our relationship with Him, the truth is, nothing we have done has given us the chance to know Him. Our acceptance by God is based completely on what He has done for us and never the other way around!
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11 NIV
Is your desire to know Christ so strong and worth so much to you that you are willing to participate in His sufferings to know Him better? Think about what this verse really says. Do you, like Paul, value your relationship with God enough to suffer for Him to the same degree that He suffered for you when He went to the cross?
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:12 NIV
Like Paul, let’s not waste time focusing on our spiritual short comings, instead let’s keep pressing forward to become the people God is calling us to be. Let nothing come between you and Christ. Lay everything else aside and focus completely on knowing Him, even if paim and suffering are involved. Stand strong and press on because knowing and pleasing Him is the only thing that really matters!