THIS ONE THING or
THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE MINDSET

" . . . Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus . . ." (Philippians 3:7-16)

Devotion 3 of 13

COUNTING TO WIN CHRIST

" . . . for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ" (KJV). Paul now reveals another Kingdom manner. Not only did he "count" or "consider" all other things loss, he actually experienced it: i.e., "I DO count them . . . "

As he perused "all things" other than Christ, he considered them to be "dung." Other versions use the word "rubbish." This is the only place in the Bible where this particular word is used (sku-bala). It is strong word meaning "dung, rubbish, garbage, offscouring." It is something of no value. In fact, it is offensive as well as worthless, and damaging as well as useless. "Dung," in this case, equates with "abomination," as explained by Jesus in Luke 16:15: "For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." It is something detestable and desecrating.

There was a reason why Paul considered "all things" in this manner. It was in order to "win," or appropriate, Christ. Other versions use the expression "gain Christ." The word "win" accents the competitive nature of "all things." In this world, we are involved in a contest. The appropriation of Christ is the objective, and that cannot take place while maintaining a grasp on the fleeting things of this world.

There is a greater measure of fellowship with Christ to be experienced. This is an area in which growth is expected. As it is written, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 3:18). What is more, there is no promise of overcoming the world apart from this knowledge. Jesus stated this same truth yet another way. "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it" (Lk 17:33). Seeking to save our life is clinging to "all things" that are to be counted as "dung." It is preferring things that are to be "counted loss" for the "excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord."

The contemporary notion of "receiving Jesus into your heart" is wholly lacking in spiritual substance. It does not take into account the contaminating influences all around us, or the necessity of growth in our apprehension of Christ. At the time Paul wrote this epistle, he had been an Apostle for 26 years. Yet, he knew nothing of coasting, or assuming he had already arrived where he should be. He did not consider himself to have fully won Christ. There was deeper and more extensive fellowship to be realized. What is more, he prayed for believers, noted for their faith and love, in this regard. He asked the Lord to "strengthen them with might by His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell" in their "hearts by faith" (Eph 3:16-17). It is marvelous when men "receive" the Son (John 1:12). But an abiding Christ is the One who saves--and He does not abide automatically! According to the words of Jesus Himself, taking up His abode, or permanent residency, in us, is conditional. "If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him" (John 14:23). Paul's acute awareness of this compelled the action he is describing in our text.

I understand winning Christ to refer to a life that is not self-centered, but Christ centered. It comes when the individual is able to become more fully involved with Christ, as compared with Christ being more fully involved with the individual. While it is true Christ goes with us through our trials, and equips us for our ministry, that is not the acme of spiritual experience. It is one thing for the Lord Jesus to identify with us in our hardships. It is quite another for us to identify with Him in His eternal purpose.

Having "tasted of the Lord" (1 Pet 2:3), Paul found everything else inferior, offensive, and inhibiting. He knew that to "win Christ" such things could not be viewed as preferable. Herein is the secret to spiritual growth, godly zeal, and stability of soul. It reflects a proper assessment of life.

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You for a Savior so great and sufficient that the things of this world are but weightless motes on the balance of life.

-- Tomorrow: BEING FOUND IN HIM --