The Better Deal

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:7-9 NIV)

He had everything the Jewish world had to offer—fame, prestige, and power.  Paul (at that time, Saul) was riding high as he made his way to Damascus to further curtail the rising and troublesome sect known then as “the Way.” (Acts 9)  But then he met the Lord and everything changed.  Instead of continuing to persecute the followers of Jesus, he joined them.  Rather than being the persecutor, he joined the ranks of the persecuted.  He gave up everything to follow Jesus.

One of the biggest struggles for people deciding to follow Jesus is what they will have to give up.  While grace and forgiveness are free, the cost of following Jesus is high.  Our earthly goals and aspirations—they must be surrendered.  Our lifestyles—brought into line with His will.  As Paul writes in another letter, our lives are no longer our own, but were bought at a price. (I Corinthians 6:19-20)  And for many, it seems too high a price to pay.  

But Paul put the price in perspective.  Compared to what he gained, it was nothing.  All the fame, prestige and power he had to relinquish in order to follow Jesus were like garbage (the Greek word could also be accurately translated as excrement).  What he gained was far superior to what he had given up.  

Were there temptations to return to his previous life?  In the midst of beatings and other trials, I am sure there were.  But I think each time he came to the same conclusion the disciples came to when most of the people had deserted Jesus—“to whom shall we go?” (John 6:68) Nothing was better than following Jesus.

Today, recognize all the things you have in this life, when compared to knowing Jesus, are really nothing.  Like Paul, put them into perspective and don’t cling to them.  Give them up for something far superior—Jesus Himself.  You will definitely get the better deal.

© Jim Musser 2016