“But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life].  Philippians 3:7 AMP

The Apostle Paul is giving a comparison of his previous life in the flesh to his current life in the Spirit. In the opening verses he recounts the importance of his upbringing and status in the religious community. Everything he was as a man was wrapped up in his qualifications. The Greek word used here for gain is the word “profit.” It is defined as “that which procures gain, advantage or profit based upon the source of the investment.” 

Paul’s life before his encounter was built upon his education and association with the leading religious scholars of the time. The whole of who he was based upon associations and benchmarks of a person extremely qualified radically sold out to the cause. Aat one point, Paul was even searching put Christians to bring them before the court and execute them. One day though, that would all change! On a mission to Damascus, Saul would be confronted by Christ and need to face the reality that everything he was an believed was wrong!

“1Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord [and relentless in his search for believers], went to the high priest,2and he asked for letters [of authority] from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any men or women there belonging to the Way [believers, followers of Jesus the Messiah], men and women alike, he could arrest them and bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem. 3As he traveled he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him [displaying the glory and majesty of Christ]; 4and he fell to the ground and heard a voice [from heaven] saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting and oppressing Me?” 5And Saul said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He answered, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9”1-5 AMP

Can you imagine? All your life destroyed in a 30 second encounter! For the next few days Saul had the chance to recount his life’s work and what he believed and concluded that he was wrong! The same energy that he applied in fighting Jesus would now become the same drive he had to serve him well! Look at how he describes the things of his past life…”…absolutely worthless for the sake of Christ.” What about you? Are there areas of your life that you are holding on to because you think they will give you some type of advantage? Jesus presented to the disciples a hard challenge. 

“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not [carefully consider the cost and then for My sake] give up all his own possessions.” Luke 14:33 AMP

Could God be asking the same of you? Have you become comfortable in your walk and forgotten the true cost of discipleship? I am not saying that you should just give everything up that you are currently doing. I am however suggesting that you seek God’s wisdom about the path He has for your life and where you are holding on! 

May the God of all mercy and grace give you the revelation of His will and purpose for your life. Remember that whatever He asks of you, He has given you the power through the Holy Spirit to bring it to pass! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken