I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ. – Philippians 3:7-8 (NLT)
In our journey as Christians, our perspectives shift and our priorities undergo a profound transformation. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, shares his own testimony about his own personal transformation.
As a zealous Pharisee who hunted down and persecuted followers of Christ, Paul was a model Jew; a Hebrew of the Hebrews in the truest sense. Though he was proud of his accomplishments and status in Judaism, Paul took even greater pride in his reputation as being the greatest enemy to the early Christians.
But after encountering Christ, Paul’s eyes became opened to the truth. He immediately realized that the things he once believed in and cherished were utterly meaningless. The only valuable thing in his life became the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus.
As followers of Christ, our desires and pursuits begin to change. The allure of worldly success and achievements dim in comparison to the richness found in Jesus. Our hearts yearn not for fleeting treasures, but for the eternal treasure of knowing and experiencing the depth of Christ’s love and grace.
This transformation does not diminish the value of our earthly endeavors, but rather, it redefines their significance in light of eternity. We are called to pursue Christ above all else; to surrender our desires, ambitions, and accomplishments at the feet of the One who offers true fulfillment and purpose.
Today, let us think about our priorities and desires. Are we clinging to the temporal or embracing the eternal? May we, like Paul, consider everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. As we do, we will find our hearts aligned with His purposes, our desires shaped by His love, and our lives transformed by His grace.
Former Blackout Artist 