The Great Reversal. Philippians 3:7. “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” The word “loss” refers to something that is no longer useful because it was damaged. After Paul met the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, everything he once considered important became unimportant to him. He had abandoned his religious heritage and training because it did not lead him to God. What Paul experienced as the start of a new life on that road marked the great reversal from being self-centered to having his life focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. He didn’t see what he had lost as merely trading Judaism for Christianity, but rather as gaining a living Christ in whom he had placed all his trust. He rested in Christ, knowing that his confidence in his religious flesh was gone, forever dead, and he was now living a new life in Christ. Credentials earned through faithful study under a wise teacher do not qualify someone to represent the Lord Jesus Christ publicly. I cannot claim success simply because I am a preacher or because I think certain things are considered to be to one’s credit. Such pride is in vain. The only true measure is, “What does my Lord gain?” People may sometimes offer flattering words in comments or letters due to something successfully accomplished or a lengthy dissertation. If I am wise, I will recognize those praises as their response and take them lightly, understanding that anything said or done is valuable only because of God’s grace. The true goal of our words and service is to honor God and bring Him greater glory.
Traveling to distant places and the challenges that come with it are often misunderstood when people praise a person instead of the Lord. Any efforts we make to further the work of the Lord must be for God's glory alone and under the Spirit’s guidance. If there is any hidden deceit, it’s time for me to repent. Past achievements and current efforts can interfere with the ongoing personal relationship with Christ, which is essential daily for servants of the Lord, especially when pride begins to surface. Who cares who gets the credit if God is honored? We all need to remember that success doesn’t depend on us. We must avoid being self-centered; the focus belongs to Him, who gave us new life, sent us out to reach those lost in darkness, and to share God’s love. Then, they too can experience the eternal life we have.
Do not think of it as profit simply because you may seem successful. Do not believe there is virtue in appearing burdened by the effort involved in bringing precious souls to Christ. Pride can take many forms in any of us, and ultimately, no good will come to those who boast about themselves. Throw all of “self” aside, and consider all loss for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Self-aggrandizement is always a sin, even though others may think it’s nice to flatter a person who faithfully labors in the Lord’s harvest field. Discard all advertisements of your work, and rest assured that God knows when we give all the glory to Him.
The cost of living as a Christian is the willingness to "count all things but loss." Beyond that, what we gain is "the knowledge of Christ." Knowing Him this way is a priceless privilege that leads us into a deep relationship with Him, helping us better understand both Him and ourselves. Anything that comes between us and that goal is worthless trash to be discarded. Practically speaking, we get to know Christ better by studying His life as written in the Gospels. There are references to Him throughout the New Testament and types and shadows of Him in the Old Testament that reveal Him to us. What He said and did in different situations is written for our learning. After reading about Him, we must put into practice the same things to truly know Him.