Written by Michelle J. Goff, Founder and Executive Director of Iron Rose Sister Ministries
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus 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 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Php. 3:7-11 ESV)
Paul, the writer of most of the epistles, makes one of his primary defenses of his faith in the third chapter of his letter to the Philippians. In the preceding verses, he enumerates the accolades of his spiritual resumé. We know from Acts 9 that he was a stellar persecutor of the church. He was a Pharisee and a highly trained teacher of the law (even by Gamaliel). Yet none of that mattered.
What mattered most to Paul was not his commitment to the attributes of his character, training, or experience. Rather, he counted them as nothing, as rubbish… trash on the sole of his sandal… in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord.
Parents have been known to sacrifice everything for their children. Strangers have donated organs or blood for the health of another individual. First responders have braved dangerous conditions to save one life. Why?
Commitment.
A parent sacrifices out of a loving commitment to their son or daughter. Donors demonstrate a commitment to loving and helping others. First responders commit to a perilous job, often following the example of another whose actions saved someone from peril.
Total commitment. No turning back. No second guesses. Not letting fear win.
Throughout the gospels and the book of Acts, we see Christ followers demonstrate their total commitment: financially (Ac. 4:34-37), occupationally (Mt. 4:20), and relationally (Lk. 14:25; Mt. 25:35-40). Disciples are called to be committed followers, always and in all ways.
What does that level of commitment look like throughout the Scriptures? How do we see this kind of commitment to Christ in our lives today?
This year, we will explore biblical examples and stories from our lives that demonstrate being “Committed to Christ, 24/7 in 2024.” Since February is our Prayer Month, we will focus on being “Committed in Prayer.” Other months will include topics like, “Committed to Trust and Obey,” “A Committed Heart,” and “Committed to One Another in Christ.”
Tuesdays will reflect a biblically foundational point or story. Thursdays will parallel that week’s scriptural emphasis, as highlighted through a modern-day story.
And since we are not only committed to Christ but also to His teachings, there will be specific Bible verses included with each post. This month, we will explore Philippians 3:7-11, our theme verses, in greater depth.
We would love to hear from you as we develop this theme! What does it mean to you to be Committed to Christ, 24/7 in 2024? Share a video, tag us in a post, or email us with your responses! Let’s celebrate our common commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
