Trading Everything for ChristA Race Worth Running |
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But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 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. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Philippians 3:7-15 KJV
Philippians 3 paints a powerful picture of a life completely surrendered to Christ. Paul, once a highly respected Pharisee, considered everything he had achieved – his lineage, his religious zeal, his status – as utterly worthless compared to knowing Christ. This isn’t a dismissal of good works, but a radical reordering of priorities. It begs the question: what do we consider gain, and are we willing to count it all as loss for the sake of Christ?
Paul doesn’t present himself as having arrived at perfection. In fact, he explicitly states in verse 12, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect…” This is a humbling truth for any believer. We often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others or dwelling on past successes, forgetting that our standard is a perfect God.
Think about it – the more we learn about Christ, the more we realize how far we still have to go. It’s like John 15:8, where Jesus tells his disciples they will bear more fruit when they truly abide in Him. Everything we’ve done, all the “good” we’ve accomplished, pales in comparison to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ. It’s not about earning salvation, but about recognizing that everything is a gift earned by Him.
If we haven’t arrived, what do we do? We press on. Paul uses vivid language – “I follow after…forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” (Philippians 3:13-14) He wasn’t casually strolling; he was running a race, fiercely pursuing a prize.
This pursuit isn’t about willpower or self-improvement. It’s about responding to the fact that Christ laid hold of us, and now we make Him the relentless pursuit of our lives. He saved us for a purpose, and that purpose fuels our growth and conformity to His image (1 Timothy 2:11).
The challenge is, the race is littered with distractions. We’re tempted to look back:
Remember the proverb: “If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either.” We must fix our eyes on the prize and resist the urge to look backward.
Hebrews 12:1-2 beautifully illustrates this: “…let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus…” It’s a challenging race, full of trials and hardships, but the reward is infinitely worth it.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV
What is the prize? It’s not simply heaven, although that is a glorious promise. It’s Christ Himself. Paul longed to behold Him, to be like Him, to know Him (1 Timothy 4:7).
Ephesians 4:12-13 speaks of believers maturing to “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” We aren’t called to simply walk toward the prize, but to run with all our strength!
Paul encourages those who are “perfect” (mature) to be “thus minded” and calls on God to reveal even further truth to those who disagree (Philippians 3:15). This highlights the importance of godly leadership and following the example of those who are further along in their faith.
It’s a powerful reminder that life is a race, and Christ is the prize. God will redirect us if our eyes wander, keeping us aligned with His purpose. We don’t need to add our own works or follow false teachings – His Word is complete.
Are you truly running this race? It requires a radical reordering of priorities. You can’t run if you don’t treasure Christ above all else. He demands perfection, not as a standard to achieve for salvation, but as a goal to pursue in gratitude for it.
What changes need to be made in your life so you can run faster, with greater focus and unwavering devotion?
Life is a race Christ is the prize.
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