Philippians 3:7-8-But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing ChristJesus 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 

From time to time when I muster up the courage to do so, I ask my kids about a perception I have as a parent, and whether it’s accurate or not.  As much as I believe in order and authority as a parent, I also want feedback on how they see me, trying to be humble and open to their perception for a better relationship…

What I am really checking to see is if they sense anything from me that “overshadows” striving to live for Jesus.  Because we may say we want to be influential for Jesus, when really the “overtones” of what we are adamant about, is what we truly desire for ourselves and others…(2 Corinthians 13:5)

Paul is a great example of how we should examine ourselves as to “who and what” we are really about.  As an accomplished religious influence by his own admission, Paul regarded that as his goal and desire for worth.  Yet when he experienced Christ, he lived “counting/regarding” all those achievements as rubbish, because experiencing Christ was greater worth than his accomplishments in the flesh…(Galatians 1:13-14, Philippians 3:4-6)

So the challenge for us, is to examine if we are “counting” what we achieved in the past or looking to achieve in the future, as worth more than knowing Christ?  Because if we do, that is the “overtone” of our heart and actions, and that will be our influence.  People will sense and eventually realize that knowing Christ is not our priority, more than what we have achieved or want to achieve in the future for worth…(Isaiah 2:22, Jeremiah 2:13)

Paul knew that he couldn’t live prideful in his achievements while striving to be passionate about Christ (humility).  He knew that anything he was holding onto for worth, had not been met by the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ.  So the more we experience Christ surpassing worth, the easier it is to let go of the pride of life/possessions.  Because what we once embraced for worth becomes “rubbish” the more we experience Jesus. (Matthew 6:33, John 3:30, Philippians 3:3,1 John 2:16)

In His Love, Ld