PHILIPPIANS 3:7

“But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ.”

I grew up in Southwest Georgia which is farming country. Most of the businesses in my small town depended on the surrounding farming communities in one way or the other. Farming is hard work and full of risk. I can remember more than one summer when the drought caused massive losses for some farmers. Depending on the crop and the timing of the rains, a farmer could reap a bounty or go bankrupt. These farmers knew the meaning of a loss.

In the last few verses, Paul has been touting his earthly position. If he had wanted to, he could have used that to become very successful in the Jewish world. But today’s verse is his true claim to success. The only thing Paul wanted was Jesus. He said everything else would be “counted as loss.” What did Paul mean by that?

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “loss” is zemia which is only used four times in the New Testament. Two times it is seen in today’s verse and tomorrow’s verse (3:8). The other two times it is found in Acts 27:10 and 21 where Paul is warning the ship’s crew they will suffer loss if he is not listened to. It’s interesting all four occurrences are tied to Paul. Paul knew about loss.

Zemia is a mercantile term that means a bad deal or unsuccessful business transaction which results in a fine or penalty (HELPS Word studies). Paul knew his past life as a Pharisee and all his claims of his Jewish heritage were indeed a bad deal in comparison of knowing Christ as his Savior. Nothing could compare. Christ was worth so much more than this world could offer.

What are you banking on? What are you willing to count as loss? What will you let go as you follow Jesus? There is nothing this world offers that comes close to what we have in Christ Jesus. No amount of wealth or prestige, no worldly success or praise! Only Jesus! Can you say that today? If you lost everything, if you are believer and follow Jesus, you are wealthy in the eyes of God. Live like that.

Father, I am thankful that my significance is not wrapped up in who I think I am. All that matters is who You know I am in Christ.