Philippians 3:8 "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him."
In Philippi there appears there may have been some confusion about what actually saves a person, or "makes" one a Christian. Paul explains to the Philippian believers that our salvation is a result of our relationship with Jesus Christ and not a result of our achievements, efforts, or pedigree. Our faith is dependant solely on our right standing with Jesus and not based on our good works or accomplishments. Paul shares a list of all of his accomplishments and claims that everything he has worked for and earned is garbage. It doesn't matter. It's trash, no good. All of his good deeds, Sunday School awards, and Bible trivia knowledge mean nothing compared with simply knowing Christ as Lord and Savior.
It is so easy for me to make this mistake and think my spiritual health is based upon my good deeds, hard work, and Bible knowledge! Yes Bible reading, prayers, good deeds, and service to others are all good things Jesus wants me to do, but my sin is washed away only because of Jesus and his death on the cross. My ticket to heaven has nothing to do with how good I think I might be, but has everything to do with Jesus and his grace. It's really all about Jesus. Everything. My life, my soul, my eternity...they are all dependant on Jesus and his goodness. I'm not the only one who gets this wrong. There is a world out there that thinks their efforts and good will makes them right with God. They don't get Jesus. They don't know him. How can I share him with someone this week?
Dear Jesus, help me tell someone about you and your goodness today. Amen.
