Knowing Christ

Philippians 3:8-9

“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ “

Paul opens this chapter in Philippians by giving his resume. Paul was great and successful in both the secular Roman world and the religious Jewish world before he ever met Christ. He was born into an important family, had the best education, had risen to the top of his field, and was successful in everything he did. Paul was zealous for God and his church. He was at the top of his game. But Paul considered all that rubbish in comparison to knowing Christ.

Knowing Christ is not the key to greatness and success, nor is greatness and success evidence of knowing Christ. Knowing Christ is greatness and success. In Africa they have a proverb that says, “It is not important who you are but who you know.” In the world and the church we idolize fame, greatness, and success. Our bookstores are filled with books on how to be successful. We parade it on TV and reward it with our time and money. We often gain our sense of identity by what we do and what we possess. However, the things we put such importance and on which we spend so much time and money may bring us some fulfillment and pleasures in this world. But they are rubbish in God’s world compared to knowing Christ.

In Luke 10 and John 12 we see two stories of Jesus visit to the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. In both stories Martha is busy serving, and Mary is at Jesus feet in worship. In the story in John, Lazarus was seated at the table fellowshipping with Jesus. In Luke, Martha complains to Jesus that Mary is not doing her part in helping serve. Jesus response is very revealing of the heart of God. “And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."  (Luke 10:41-42)

All three elements of fellowship, service, and worship are important in our walk with the Lord. But Jesus identifies that what Mary was doing as most important and would not be taken away from her. Everything we do that is of eternal value stems out of our relationship with Christ. The proof of our relationship with  Christ is not in our accomplishments but our character as evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit will come forth in our lives in the good times and the bad times. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Andy Clark