Loss To Gain

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Phil 3:7-8

The Greek word that Paul uses in verse 7 for “gain” is the same word used in verse 8 for “win.” One kind of “gain;” things that are important to the world, exchanged for a greater eternal “gain:” winning Christ as bridegroom.

The Greek word Paul uses for “loss” carries the meaning of something detrimental. Not only does Paul cast those old “gains” aside, he considered them detrimental to his intent to “gain” Christ. How often do we hang tight to things that are detrimental to deepening our relationship with our Lord Jesus.

The things that Paul was letting loose of and setting aside, were not necessarily bad things in themselves. They were the kinds of things that people consider important. It is not necessarily the “bad” things that get in our way, but our own self sufficiency and self righteous will.

Paul’s main desire and intent was to attain to a deeper knowledge of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If we consider the depth of revelation that Paul had, it will help us to understand that there is an ongoing deepening of our relationship with Jesus. Not matter how far we have gone, and how deep our knowledge of our Lord, there is still more to attain.

So, what things are getting in your way today? When Paul writes this passage in Philippians, he writes it as a very personal expression. Notice the use of the word ‘I’ here instead of ‘you’ or ‘we.’ Each one of us must take the very same approach. What is getting in my way today? What things do I need to consider loss and release from my grip to be able to know Jesus better?

We each have those things. While it is easy to look at others lives and try to find things in their lives, it is necessary to look at our own, and allow the Holy Spirit to point out the things that need to be loosened in our life. It might even be things that we think are good.

Nothing that we have here, whether it be material things, friendships, status, even ‘ministry’ is more important than our personal relationship with our Lord. We must not allow the enemy to distract us from the prize, which is Jesus.
Gordon Crook