by Jordy van Gaalen

Holding on Too Tightly

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“But 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. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”
Philippians 3:7-8 ESV

I truly pray to have this same perspective. Releasing my hold on anything this world has to offer. I often find too much value in the earthly things. I hold high regard for possessions and goals and relationships and aspirations. But nothing compares to Christ. Nothing compares to knowing Christ.

Paul is most likely imprisoned in Rome during this time. He has indeed lost everything. He is without belongings, without family or friends, without a home. But those things that he once considered gain, he now considers loss. They seem to be more of a distraction, something that takes away from what he considers true gain, which is knowing Christ Jesus. This type of “knowing” refers to a personal, relational level. It is knowing Christ as the redemptive and gracious Savior. It is knowing Christ as a Father and a Good Shepherd.

In what way have the things you have “gained,” the things of this world, held you back from knowing Jesus? What have you been holding just a little too tightly that is getting in the way of Christ? 

God alone grants true freedom, eternal life, and everlasting peace. Knowing God isn’t only about what He grants, but about who He is. Knowing Christ involves learning about His character and the way He views and cares for His children. It is seeking to understand, in our finite capacities, His heart.

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:2-3 NIV

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado