Dear Church of the Open Bible,
What do you have that is of “surpassing worth?” For many of us, our houses might be the most expensive things we own. Some of you might have items of sentimental value, like rings or family heirlooms that have been passed down. This might lead us to think of the incredible value of relationships we have with parents, children, grandchildren, and friends. Or maybe we have been able to recognize achievements in our lives that we hold dearly to?
I love how Paul describes what is most valuable to him in Philippians 3. It might not be surprising to us, but what it means for us is.
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… - Philippians 3:8-9
There is nothing more valuable to Paul than being found in Christ. Nothing. Why? Because to be found in Christ is to be so tightly joined to Him through faith, that what He has, has now been given to us. By God’s grace, we receive His righteousness, we come to know the power of His resurrection, we share in His sufferings, we become like Him, and we live with Him forever. Such surpassing worth! We are so incredibly rich in Christ!
COB, may God give us eyes to see the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. May we repent of any achievements we use to try to justify ourselves before God and trust in Christ. And may we love and care for others out of the abundance of the love and care we’ve received from God through Christ. Such surpassing worth!