Philippians 3:7-12

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, 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 is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Reflection:

At first glance, this passage seems to be about self-sacrifice, the need to count the cost and rid ourselves of our valuables and achievements in order to be holy. Perhaps Paul has become so spiritual that he is able to see past his own self and is finally able to attain new spiritual heights. But this would actually be missing the emphasis of the passage. In actuality, we don’t see Paul complaining or feeling sorry for himself in having to let go of his personal treasures. Actually, he’s quite comical, calling his personal treasures trash! How is Paul able to have such a radical perspective? We can see that the basis of Paul’s loss and gain is not found in his own effort and righteousness, but on the incomparable reality of the righteousness that comes from God. This righteousness from God is based on faith in Christ, not on personal or spiritual achievement.

Response:

Today, even if this is a familiar passage to us, we can read it with fresh eyes. May we see that Paul is overwhelmed with God’s truth and not with what has been left behind. The reality of the righteousness that comes from God is based on faith in Christ, who has already taken hold of Paul, and Paul in response just wants to take hold of that! Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ loved us and has already taken hold of us, so let us by faith take hold of that truth. Let’s respond in faith by living it out!