Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

Philippians 3:8

Remembering: At the end of April 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I “retired” after 17 years as volunteer leader of “LifeLight,” an in-depth Bible study. I led Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning groups of couples, men, and women at our church. At age 80, would I experience gain or loss after almost 55 years of pastoral ministry?

Paul wrestles with that question as he writes to struggling believers in the Philippian church. He bares his soul about a life of religious achievements which only crushed him under God’s law, exposing his selfish sin. Then he counts as gain Christ Jesus as Lord, receiving “the righteousness from God that depends on faith” (3:9b). Paul presses on “because Christ Jesus has made me his own” (3:12). No matter what our crushing losses — past, present, or future — Christ remains our gain to share freely with those in our lives.

Stephen J. Carter
Oakville, MO

Lord, thanks for Your righteousness on our behalf. Amen.

Reflect: Take hold of the total gain you have in Christ and share it this week with someone facing great loss.

Read: Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Philippians 3:4b-14