Philippians Ch 3

"Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of mutilation! (2)

In this verse, mutilation refers to a "debased mind" (Romans 2:28). This is where true deception lies, as I am seeing all the more, our actions are only a symptom of a much deeper sickness. Show me a Christian who says they do not struggle with sin to some degree and I will show you a liar, for no one can submit every thought to Jesus, for the rest of their lives. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't cling to God in our desperation to try!

"If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials, 8 I have more: 3:5 I was circumcised on the eighth day, from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. I lived according to the law as a Pharisee. 9 3:6 In my zeal for God I persecuted the church. According to the righteousness stipulated in the law I was blameless. 3:7 But these assets I have come to regard as liabilities because of Christ. 3:8 More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things – indeed, I regard them as dung!"

Despite all that Paul did in proclaiming the gospel once he was transformed in Christ, all the merit badges in the world are nothing in comparison to the splendor of our King. Interesting in this version how he uses the word 'dung', my NKJV uses rubbish. Either way, it is quite the fortitious adjective and makes clear how little value the things we have are. I look around at my apartment and see my computer, tv, videogames, books, etc., and tell myself like a mantra, "these things will pass away, but His words will never." So often we feel so comfortable in our own homes we forget that all this is so temporary. The Israelites used to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles to remember what it was like to wander in the wilderness by spending 7 days in shelters of tree branches. I bet if we slept out in tents for 7 days we would have a whole new appreciation for our humble abodes afterwards! ;)

"..And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith." (9)

There is tremendous comfort in these words. I think of all the things in life that people are stuck with no matter what. I mean hey, if you are 4'2", and in your twenties, you are going to be vertically challenged for the rest of your life (not that you would be any less a glory to God!). But if you are lacking in faith, don't despair, pray earnestly! The answers to all our problems don't lie around us, but above us.