Philippians 3:7 (KJV)
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
The word that comes to my mind is meekness.
Paul was well aware of his accomplishments in the flesh. If anyone could have boasted in “fleshly” spirituality (as if there could really be such a thing), it was he. There is little benefit in listing again the things he mentions in verses 4–6. It is enough to point out his conclusion: “touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”
He had, in fact, achieved what the Pharisees believed to be spiritual success in the flesh. No one could have been more confident of that than Paul.
But Paul had met Christ.
And in that meeting he realized the futility of the flesh.
They say that meekness is power under control.
Meekness is not weakness.
Meekness is voluntary surrender.
The illustration I have long heard is that of a powerful stallion. The horse has the ability to overpower his rider.
- He can outrun him.
- He can outmaneuver him.
- He can, if he chooses, trample him to death.
But he has been brought into submission. He humbles himself to accept the bit and follow the commands of his rider.
The Christian is not weak, beggarly, or cowardly for surrendering to Jesus. He simply surrenders all he is and has to One who is far greater.
I never rose to the same fleshly successes that Paul had, but I am happy to have counted whatever successes I may have had as loss for Christ.
#CountedLossForChrist #BiblicalMeekness #SurrenderToChrist #StrengthUnderControl #ChristAboveAll
When Success Meets Christ: Power Under Control
What do you think Paul meant when he said he counted everything as loss for Christ? Have you ever had something in your life that once seemed like gain but later looked small compared to knowing the Lord?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment and join the conversation.
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