As humans, our hearts naturally seek hope and confidence outside of Jesus. We find satisfaction in things of this world and credit ourselves for our good works, in an attempt to add to the work that Jesus accomplished on the cross. We get so caught up in what we need to do in this world and how well we can do it all. We easily forget that it is in Jesus alone that we find our identity, not in any work that we do.

In Philippians 3, Paul writes about the dangers of this mentality. He says that he has more reason than anyone to boast in the flesh and trust his own good works. He was all of the things that the religious elite expected him to be. Yet, he wrote: “Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7). 

Paul recognized the central truth– relationship with Jesus isn’t found in what we have to offer. It is found in exactly who He is. Everything that we think should make us “good,” are actually losses when it comes to who Jesus is and what He has already done for us! In fact, Paul even said that he considers everything “garbage” in view of Jesus (v.8). Paul counted all things as loss in view of the excellence of his savior! The “prize” of this life is a rich relationship with Jesus and we can never earn it… we need only be ourselves & love Him first. 

In Philippians 3, Paul reminds us of something very important! It is by grace alone that we are saved. All God asks is that we trust in Him and follow Jesus. & we can never accomplish this on our own!!! That is the greatest gift of grace. Our relationship with God is a gift from God… because He loves us.