“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” ~ Philippians 2:7-8
Oftentimes, it is when we are at the end of ourselves, that we discover the great life in Christ. That is how it was for me. I came to the end of myself. I had nothing left, but sorrow, heartache and a suspended driver’s license. I gave up that little insignificant life, for the life God intended for me. I did count my life a loss for knowing Jesus, but what I lost was so little in comparison to the life he had for me.
For others, counting it all loss means losing great social or political status or even financial freedom for the sake of the cross of Christ. Everyone, great and small must count it all loss for Jesus.
Though it might be difficult to give up our life for Jesus, Philippians gives us a great encouragement, a reminder of what this life is truly about. If anyone understood and experienced religious and social status, it was Paul. He declares that he is the “stock of Israel” and “a Pharisee…persecuting Christians.” He was zealous and feared. He was mighty and powerful. He turned all of that over to Jesus, that he might truly know and experience the power of Jesus.
Have you counted all loss? Is everything in your life held with open hands before the cross, ready to place in those nail scarred hands of Jesus Christ? Are you holding on to anything too tightly?
Count it all loss! For the excellence of Jesus. Your life in Him is so much greater than the life you had planned. Count the cost and live wholly for Jesus.
Blessings,
Robert
Consider the lyrics of Keith Green’s song “Pledge My Head to Heaven.”
Well I pledge my son to heaven for the gospel.
Though he's kicked and beaten, ridiculed and scorn.
I will teach him to rejoice, and life a thankful praising voice,
And to be like Him who bore the nails and crown of thorns.
I'm your child, and I want to be in your family forever.
I'm your child, and I'm going to follow you,
No matter whatever the cost, I'm gonna count all things lost.
Oh no matter whatever the cost, I'm gonna count all things lost.
Well I've had the chance to gain the world, and to live just like a king,
But without your love, it doesn't mean a thing.
Oh no matter whatever the cost, I'm gonna count all things lost,
Oh no matter whatever the cost, I'm gonna count all things lost.
Well I pledge my son, I pledge my wife, I pledge my head to heaven,
I pledge my son, I pledge my wife, I pledge my head to heaven, for the gospel.
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