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.”

Philippians 3:4-7 (NLT)

I often use some kind of illustration from real life in an attempt to connect our lives with the message of Scripture, but Paul’s imagery in the passage stands on its own and only needs a little clarification in the 21st century. When Paul says he counts his heritage, his education, his position in society, his (fill in the blank), everything is “rubbish”, but that translation of the Greek word is the PG 13 version.

Paul used a stronger word to provoke a sense of revulsion. Some might have said that he went a little to far, but the word translated as garbage or rubbish is more closely related to the thought of human dung (to be kind).

Daniel B. Wallace wrote “Paul’s view of his former life is odious to him, as ours should be to us. The best translation, therefore, is one that picks up both worthlessness and revulsion, and probably a certain shock value.”

Certainly the phrase is in contrast with Paul’s now passionate pursuit of Christ. He has abandoned everything to follow and really know Christ – not know facts about Him, but to know Him for who He is.

So, have I seen the clear contrast Paul describes in my own life? Let’s let go of the worthless and hang on to what matters.