It is tough to look at the giants of faith in Scripture and compare ourselves to them, even though nearly all of them had giant foibles and issues. They still tower over us, or at least they do to me. Paul is probably one of the pinnacle examples. In today’s reading, he even gives his curriculum vitae, if you will: his qualifications as a Jew, a scholar, a Pharisee, a persecutor; someone righteous and blameless under the law. He really did seem to have it all. And then he goes on to say that he knows he is not perfect in achieving the goals of Christian living.
My goodness, if Paul says that, what possible chance is there for any of us?!
Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Philippians 3:7-8
Paul counts all of his qualifications and good deeds – everything that set him apart and above – as loss. He wants to forget those things and strain forward for what lies ahead, “pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
“The upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
That is an amazing phrase. God calls us upward, in our reflection, our action, our faith, and our walk. Where we are isn’t sufficient for the Christian. The Christian always wants and looks for more, because God has called him to it. This is not a matter of salvation, but a matter of one who is already saved.
Paul counts all of his previous accomplishments and qualifications as useless and loss, because he has a better call, an upward call, one based not on himself but on Christ, who has done all for him and now bids him respond joyfully and willingly. Paul knew that what he had before was nothing compared to Jesus. Now that he has Jesus, he wants to do everything for Him and everything to reflect Him. Christ is what it’s all about, and living for Him is what really matters, so that others can see, receive, and be saved in Christ too.
We try to compare ourselves to others, and it’s a useless task. Comparing our works to Christ’s is likewise useless. But if we see in Christ that we have everything through faith, then all we do becomes a useful, productive, and joyful task.
That is our upward call.
May we find ways to strive and strain forward in that upward call in Christ Jesus, as a grateful response to His salvation for us.
“Gracious Lord, we count all that we are and all that we have done as loss when compared to what Christ has done for us on the cross and through the empty tomb. Thank You that through Your Son and our Savior we have been given everything that matters, and that You have given us an upward call to do things that matter in faith and to touch others with that same saving gospel. Grant that we do it joyfully and wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Scripture
- Philippians 3:4b-14
- Psalm 80:7-19 (responsory)
