Worthless

28. January 2019 Philippians 0

Text: Philippians 3:1-9

Theme: Anything not from Christ and for Christ is worthless.

Key verses: “For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort” (v. 3). “I was circumcised when I was eight years old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin…I was a member of the Pharisees…as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. I once thought those 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” (v. 5-9a).

What God said to me: Nothing. Nothing is more important to you, Dwayne, than your intimate relationship and fellowship with my Son. Consider what Paul had: pedigree, prestige, power, pride, position, passion, pharisaical purity. Yet he counted all of that as worthless–literally as human feces–compared to the value of knowing Christ. Nothing even holds a candle to what Christ has done for you. Dwayne, think about your own status and past experiences and accomplishments. How do you rank them, how much do you depend on them, as opposed to how much you depend on and long to know Jesus? Here’s the key question: How much value do you place on knowing Christ Jesus your Lord? Is it of “infinite value” to you? Do you really believe and perceive that deep knowledge of the Christ is of infinite worth to you? How badly do you want to know Him? How truly deep is your love for Him? The antecedent to those questions is this: Is there any part of you who still clings to your own righteousness and accomplishments? Do you ever lean on your own connections and favor with others and place them at a higher priority than time invested with me and in my Word? I have more to say to you about this, but we will leave that for another time. For today, just think on these piercing questions and meditate on the infinite value of knowing Jesus more. There is no greater goal.

What I said to God: Father, thank You for speaking to my soul today. I love You and want to know You more. I am sorry for those days I don’t acknowledge You and I don’t seek first Your Kingdom and righteousness. Please show me areas where I still cling to what counts for no more than dung rather than longing after You, my Lord and Savior and Friend. Please guide my steps and words today. Open doors to place us in front of people who can help us accomplish our vision–the vision and burden You gave us.