Think with me for a moment about your greatest accomplishments in life. Think about the things you’ve done in your life for good that you are most proud of. Perhaps you participate in all the ministries the church has to offer. Perhaps you have given up your job so that you can homeschool your children so that they learn a biblical worldview. Perhaps you serve as a Deacon or an Elder/Pastor in the church. You may think: “What is there in this world that can be better than these things?” The answer: Jesus!
Philippians 3:4-14 gives us great encouragement to press on in the race of the faith so that we may gain the prize — the power of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and eternal life with Him.
If anyone had reason to boast in past religious accomplishments it was the Apostle Paul. He lists his fantastic spiritual resume in Philippians 3:5-6. There was likely none better than Paul with regard to human religious perfection, but compared to knowing Jesus and being saved in Him he considered his heritage and accomplishments dung. He humbly admits his own imperfection and his need for salvation in Christ (Philippians 3:12).
What about you? Are you trusting in your heritage, good works, or both to give you a right standing before the Holy God? I pray you, like the Apostle Paul, will turn from your works and consider them dung. That you will turn to Jesus Christ and trust in Him alone for your salvation by grace through faith.
You will never be disappointed in Jesus.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Ryan
