Sadness
Everything is Worthless – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:7-11

Key Verse: Philippians 3:8

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ

The Apostle Paul had a lot to brag about as far as his accomplishments in life. He was a pure blooded citizen of Israel, as well as a true Roman citizen by birth—his father was a Roman citizen. Paul was a member of the tribe of Benjamin and a Pharisee who demanded the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. Paul’s credentials were very impressive to their culture.

After Paul received Jesus Christ as the long awaited Messiah, he considered all that he had accomplished before as simply worthless. It was worthless in Paul’s mind because of the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus as His lord. For Christ’s sake, Paul had discarded everything else, and in his words “counted it all as garbage so that he could gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8c).

Our human nature loves to take pride in what we have accomplished. It is not sinful to want to do a good job in our life. However, when it comes to our spiritual lives we must understand the infinite value of knowing Jesus. We must see our relationship with Jesus as the number one value—above all else. Our human nature will fight this allegiance to Christ. Our emotions of sadness can flood our minds when we say no to ungodliness. It is at that point that our Spirit-filled minds must take over and praise God for the privilege of being part of His royal family and on our way to heaven! (Continued)

Father, I choose you above all others in this world. I will walk worthy of your grace, in your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.