Count All Loss

I bless you that you may,
Like Paul,
“Count everything
As loss
Because of the surpassing worth
Of knowing Christ Jesus
Your Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)

Paul’s “counting all as loss”
Is no invitation to self-degradation.
It is a summons to celebration—
A call to adoration.

You’ll not love Christ more
By humbugging your
Accomplishments or gifts.
You’ll love Christ more
By heralding His love
And majesty
And excellencies
And grace.

And, then,
In light of the glories
Of Christ,
All the potential idols
Of personal accomplishment
And earthly gain
Will dim in your eyes
And find their place so
Low on the list
That you’ll call them
“Loss”
Compared to knowing Christ.

May you treasure Jesus,
Child of God,
Treasure Him above all.