Have you ever thrown away something valuable? When I first decided to move to the Middle East in 2018, I found myself in a predicament: could I give up my stuff? Maybe more than that, could I give up my life? As I began to give away my personal possessions and say goodbye to the people and places I loved, it was extremely difficult (and still is). Yet, something in the midst of suffering these losses surprised me: joy. On my fridge was a quote from the journal of Jim Elliot, a missionary killed on the field, which helped me define the reason for this joy: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”
In our reading, Paul shares: “…I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ…” (v. 8b, NASB). When we give things up, we make the choice to consider, or calculate, them as loss. In society, we often focus on gain and try our best to avoid loss. Paul, however, demonstrates the upside-down kingdom of God by telling us that losing is actually gaining. No, he isn’t overlooking the fact that experiencing these losses is suffering. Paul is simply re-fixing our eyes to the greater value of Christ. What do we gain in Christ, according to Paul? Righteousness that we couldn’t earn, knowledge of Jesus, and the power of His resurrection. Notice, however, that we can’t join in resurrection if we don’t first share in “the form and pattern of His death” (v. 10b, N.T. Wright’s The New Testament for Everyone).
Jesus often told His disciples that they would have to lose their lives to follow Him. During the Lenten season, we particularly remember this call as we journey to the Cross. I wonder what you have had to, and will have to, lay down to follow the call of Christ? Will you use the kingdom calculator? My prayer is that this season of giving up would bring us the true joy of Christ.
For reflection:
- During Lent, Christians around the world practice giving up something to help them remember and enter into what Christ gave up for us. Whether or not you choose to participate in this practice, take some time to reflect (alone and with others) on your own journey of following Christ.
- What have you given up to follow Him? What might you still need to lay aside?
- Be careful to notice if there is anything in your life that you value more than Christ. What steps might you need to take to prioritize Christ at the front and center of your life?
by Melody
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