We are living in turbulent times, friends. What was a profit a few years ago has likely turned to a loss. The investments which were doing so well have tanked. The equity in our house has disappeared. The financial and economic security for us and our nation which seemed so solid is shakey at best. So now what are we to do, where are we to turn?

The Apostle Paul had a lot going for him. He came from a good family, had great training, had risen through the religious leadership ranks and was in a position of prominence. People respected, even feared him. His righteousness in obeying the law was outstanding. YET, in Philippians 3:7-8 he says, “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” All the good things we work so hard at, that we can tend to put our trust in, all these amount to nothing in light of eternity… wealth, financial security, respected job, significant social network, good deeds, leadership in the church, etc. Everything is a pile of trash, Paul says, compared with the “surpassing greatness of knowing Christ.”

Friends, where does your trust lie? What consumes your heart, most affects your emotions, give you hope for the future and peace for today? If we are balanced and healthy spiritually, NOTHING in our lives, even the good things that are blessings from the Lord, should hold a candle to the joy of fellowship with God through faith in Christ. Admittedly, Paul says in v.12 that he had not yet reached this point completely, but he is “pressing on toward the goal.” And so with us, may we press on toward the goal of making Christ the absolute zenith of our passions, our desires, our dreams, our security, our pursuits, our life. Nothing else is even a close second.

May God’s grace be with each of us, brothers and sisters, so we do not put our confidence in the flesh or things of this world, but rather we strive to “know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings.”
Pressing on, Eric