Found in Him

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
Philippians 3:8-9

People have given up many things to follow Jesus: reputation, relationships, beliefs, physical well being, and even their lives. What have you given up to follow Jesus? Was it worth it?

Paul, not only turned his back on his status, his life plan, and his reputation, but anything else he held on to in this life, he lost as well. He left it all behind for the greatest value, knowing Jesus. It is in the life of Jesus that all of the loss for Paul is made up. He no longer had to strive for righteousness by keeping the law to perfection, instead he acquired righteousness from God by faith. He put his faith in Jesus.

Paul gains his true purpose and identity from Jesus. Having lost all of his former conceptions of goodness and success, his everything is found in Jesus.

Are you chasing after the stuff of this world? It is like trying to chase and capture the wind.
Are you holding out hope that you might please or appease God with your goodness? Try stacking up your efforts to Paul’s(3:4-6). He couldn’t do it, it’s just not possible.

The gospel invites each of us to leave our striving for goodness apart from God on the rubbish pile and instead know Jesus. As we know his forgiveness, love, wisdom, and intimate fellowship we find all the fulfillment, purpose, and glory we will ever need.

Losing all the world offers and the lie of self salvation is no loss when you are found in Him.

O God of our Salvation,
We want to know Christ and the power of his Resurrection. We want to love Jesus and receive his Righteousness. We want to be found in Him, now and always. Give peace to our souls and courage in our lives in order that we may gain Christ even if we lose everything else. Amen