Philippians 3 v 7 - 11

Paul gives us his philosophy of life and salvation. Most Evangelicals would agree fully with Paul's stance: it is not me, but Christ in me that enables me to do the good things I do. I remember our church leader in Wrington being very pleased with himself, because someone had accused him of being a 'Jesus freak'. And this is a definition you could put on Paul's head. Nothing is more valuable to him than Christ, he is utterly consumed. In verse 8, NLT translates Paul's word in Greek as 'garbage', but it is a lot stronger, perhaps 'dung' would be more like it. When I read this passage, I recognise that Paul is at a different level to me in his commitment to and adoration of Jesus Christ. I live relatively comfortably, I am interested in other things besides Christianity, I'm unsure that I would be happy with the thought that I am going to die tomorrow and I think that there were times about 40 years ago, when I felt closer to Jesus, was more committed and willing to die. I struggle with the concept of suffering being an essential part of becoming one with Christ. I recognise its value, but essential? This demonstrates that I have a long way to go in my walk with God. Paul's overriding ambition was to experience Christ's resurrection. What is yours? Some powerful words from the song by Graham Kendrick, 'Knowing you': All I once held dear, built my life upon All this world reveres, and wars to own All I once thought gain I have counted loss Spent and worthless now, compared to this Knowing You, Jesus Knowing You There is no greater thing You're my all, You're the best You're my joy, my righteousness And I love You, Lord Now my heart's desire is to know You more To be found in You and known as Yours To possess by faith what I could not earn All-surpassing gift of righteousness Oh, to know the power of Your risen life And to know You in Your sufferings To become like You in Your death, my Lord So with You to live and never die