Exchanging Privileged ‘Garbage’ for Christ

Daily Devotional – Friday, May 5, 2023
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 3:8 (NKJV)

A mob of Jews is beating up Paul within the compound of the Jerusalem temple. The commander of the Roman armies in Jerusalem rescues Paul and takes him to the barracks. Paul request to address the murderous crowd.

Paul’s Advantaged Past

He presents his credentials, stating, “I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city.” (Acts 21:39). He continues, “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.” (Acts 22:3).

We quote him verbatim, again, “…circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” (Philippians 3:4-6).

I Count them as Rubbish

In other words, Paul is a well-educated Jew, conversant with the law and the scriptures. He is also acquainted with diverse cultures of the day. It is no wonder that this man wrote 14 of the 27 books of the New Testament. Who would not admire such a bright mind? What a resume to bring to Christ!

If you were Paul, would you not walk with confidence and pride because of this enviable background? Not Paul! He states, “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 3:7-8).

How Valuable is Your Salvation?

To the apostle, no earthly advantage compares to the infinite value for knowing Jesus and entering into a personal and saving relationship with Him. All of Paul’s academic, professional and ethnic privileges are garbage in contrast to the righteousness that only Jesus gives.

How valuable is salvation to you? How much are you willing to sacrifice for Jesus? Are there relationships, pleasures, habits and attitudes you need to throw into the trash bin for the sake of the kingdom of God? Is there ‘privileged garbage’ you still hold on to, which you use to boast over others, but which keeps you away from total consecration to Jesus?

Exchanging Privileged Garbage for Christ

Today, Jesus is urging you to give Him all aspects of your life. Nothing in the world is worth clinging to while spurning the love of Christ. When you begin to realize your worth in the eyes of Jesus, you will count your glorious history as privileged garbage. What will you give up today for Jesus who died for you.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me give up everything that hinders me from gaining You.