Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:7-9
"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 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith."Sometimes when people share how they came to Christ, they talk about all the things they gave up to follow Christ, almost like they are bragging. Maybe they gave up drugs, sex, alcohol, stealing, etc. Although I thank the Lord I didn’t become an alcoholic and even though I didn't have an impressive list of sins, I did recognize myself as a sinner in need of a Savior. Everyone of us are selfish sinners. Sinners are people who are looking for happiness in many different things, but only Jesus can bring true joy and satisfaction through a life lived in holiness. The values of this world are worthless compared to knowing Jesus. He is our greatest gain and a treasure indeed.
The apostle Paul says that everything in this world that he once felt was so important he now called it worthless compared to knowing Christ. Paul was super religious and such a rule follower, but now realizes that it was worthless compared to knowing Jesus as His Lord. Instead of Paul trusting in his own efforts, Jesus cleansed him from sins, to walk in paths of righteousness. Paul found his happiness in Jesus Christ and through a life lived through faith. The Bible says in Psalm 119:1 “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless.” In other words, those who are blameless. Happiness is not our goal, but it is a result of living a life of faith. God cleansed us for holy living as we follow Christ. And the more we live His way, we will experience the joy, hope, purpose and true happiness that God wants us to have.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
