Philippians 3:2-12

Sometimes I can catch myself getting “confident in the flesh” as today’s scripture describes.  I go to church, tithe, volunteer here and there, and before too long I am feeling pretty confident that I am doing what it takes to be a Christian!  I am sure most of us have felt like this at times.  It does seem like there can be a difference between being “religious” and following the old saying of “What Would Jesus Do?”  Paul seems to be re-emphasizing that in today’s scripture reading.  He uses himself as an example of how he felt like a very righteous person before meeting Christ because of all of the things he did personally and the way he lived his life in relation to the laws.  However, he then goes on to say that after meeting Jesus he considered all of his prior ways “a loss”.  He mentions in verse 9 that he no longer has a righteousness of his own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ. 

A good reminder that we cannot get there purely on our own.  

Prayer:  Father, we are thankful for the gift of your son and the time that he spent on Earth showing us what it truly means to live according to your will.  Forgive us for the times we still fall short of his example.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen. 

Jeff Henricks