The HEART of the Matter

If anyone had reason to boast in his religiosity and/or credentials before God, it would have been Paul. Yet he states:

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, 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 and is by faith." ~Philippians 3:7-9

Joni Eareckson Tada, said in her email devotional for today, taken from her book, Pearls of Great Price:

"This week read the book of Philippians with an eye on Paul's example.... Let's not take pleasure in our regular church attendance, or pride in how many committees we serve on. Let's take pleasure in pleasing Christ and Christ alone.... Lord God, thank you for the example of godly men like the apostle Paul. Help me to learn from his life and make the cross my focus, evangelism my motive, and the glory of Christ my goal." (emphasis mine)

Now obviously, it's not that one can't enjoy regularly attending church...but rather, the problematic issues are any feelings of superiority and/or self-pride arising from the acts. When we become prideful in our participation in any activities, we are worshiping self, rather than the Creator. And certainly, none of those activities can replace the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross for our sins. Only through His atonement is the price paid for our access to the throne of our Heavenly Father.

It isn't merely a matter of semantics, but a very serious matter of self-righteousness, versus Christ's righteousness. It is a matter that goes straight to one's heart for Christ Jesus, versus twisting the gospel so that one's heart is worshipping self.

Christ-glorification versus self-glorification.

Paul is exhorting us to count it ALL rubbish, excepting boasting in Him!

He alone is worthy of the boasting...and He alone is worthy of the glory!

"Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." ~Rev. 15:4

May we always: "...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." ~2 Peter 3:18