7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith” (Philippians 3:7-9)
People put a great deal of stock in things that pale into insignificance when compared with spiritual treasures (see Phil. 3:3-6). Paul had once viewed his Jewish attainments with great pride. As an accomplished pupil of Rabbi Gamaliel, his education credentials were stellar (Acts 22:3). His Jewish purity and zeal for the law were above reproach. He had taken delight in his unblemished record and advancement in Judaism which included persecuting the church of God (Gal. 1:13-14). But, Paul’s salvation in Christ far outweighed those achievements of the flesh. Now, he counted these things as refuse. You will have to choose which you value most: trusting in fleshy credentials and advancement or relying upon heaven’s approval through the gospel. You cannot serve two masters. Which master do you serve?
Sword Tips 