“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ” Philippians 3:7

Jewish practices of Paul’s time were part and parcel of his being prior to his conversion. Paul was indeed born to a Hebrew tribe, was circumcised according to Jewish law and when he was young, he attended a Hebrew school where he studied religious law. One of his teachers was Gamaliel, a well-known and highly qualified rabbi. As a result, Saul, who will later become Paul, turned out to be a very devout Pharisee endowed with great love and a deep appreciation of his Jewish faith.

It was not enough for Paul to bear the title of believer. His faith was not of the kind “go to church every week and mind your business”. On the contrary, he was passionately active in what he believed and he applied to his own life the Holy Scriptures he was studying on a daily basis.

So, if Paul’s biography before his conversion seemed exceptionally impressing, both his legacy and his achievements very soon appeared to him like a loss. Indeed, rather than take pride in his achievement, Paul “consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus ….” and he “consider them garbage…” (Philippians 3:8).

What was the driver of such a sudden change? His encounter with somebody better, Jesus-Christ, whom he used to despise passionately before but in whom he now placed all his confidence. Jesus-Christ has become for the Apostle the most beautiful jewel a human being can find, more beautiful than life itself. That is how it should be for all genuinely new born Christians.

Some people might have been brought up in devout Christian families, attended eminent religious schools and even be in managerial roles in churches and yet live a Christ-free life. However the day the Holy Ghost will find its way to their hearts will start for them a sublime experience, that of their personal encounter of Damascus.

For some Christians, the personal legacy might not be a test of faith as they have inherited nothing remarkable. For others, the test could appear in different forms including world attractions, different family responsibilities, professional and learning opportunities and many other things that will tend to deviate their attention from God. And yet, the most sublime call a human can receive is that of giving up everything, to consider self as garbage to follow Christ and consider Him the best of the bests.

May the Lord uphold us! Have a great week! Amen!