READING: Isaiah 29-32, Philippians 3
We know that the apostle Paul understood his own sinfulness. He was, in fact, the “worst of” sinners (1 Tim 1:15) in his own eyes. On the other hand, Paul also recognized that if anyone could have “grounds for confidence in the flesh” (Phil 3:4), he certainly had those credentials. He was a “Hebrew born of Hebrews” (Phil 3:5), well-educated and highly positioned—a follower and protector of the Law. His zeal for Judaism was so great that he even persecuted the church of the Lord Christ.
Still, though, none of that mattered to Paul. Everything he had gained on his own he deemed to be “a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil 3:7-8).
I wonder today how often I fall back on my credentials and seek man’s acceptance rather than count it all loss compared to the joy of knowing Christ. Even as I write this devotion, it’s far too easy to think about my education, my pastoral experience, my writings as the sources of my value; and, it’s far too easy to remind others of my achievements as a means to earn their respect and love. I am, I must admit, a most arrogant Christ-follower who needs humbling at times.
My credentials must be based on how I live my life rather than on how much I’ve achieved. The latter stuff just won’t last.
PRAYER: “Lord, I lean far too heavily on myself and my credentials. Forgive me. Change me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 33-36, Philippians 4