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It’s a rare sight, but occasionally, you may see a star, even at the height of their career, give up the Hollywood life and leave behind the so-called dream.
What once seemed like a shining ideal—a career of lights and fame—dims when the curtain closes. Because the truth is revealed behind the scenes. And sometimes, when they see the painted façade for what it is, they search for something deeper, something worth more than money and fame.
Philippians 3:2–4
“Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!”
In Paul’s letter of encouragement to the church at Philippi, he reminded them that salvation does not come by performing an act (circumcision); it is by faith in Christ alone. Because if anyone could have “earned” salvation by his works, Paul would be at the front of the line.
Philippians 3:5–6
“5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.”
For a Jewish man, this was quite an extensive résumé! He would have been considered the best of the best. Paul had power, prestige, and position, but something changed.
He met Jesus.
And after that, everything changed. He saw the truth. He knew that salvation couldn’t be earned by human effort. All our works are nothing. Christ finished the work when He gave His life on the cross. He fulfilled the law.
Philippians 3:7–9
“7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.”
A list of accolades, awards, and accomplishments that Paul now counted as garbage in light of Christ.
When we encounter Jesus, striving ceases. There isn’t one more thing you can do that will impress the Lord. Do you realize that? He is not choosing whom He will save based on a person’s merit or résumé.
Salvation is by faith in Christ’s work. Not ours.
There is nothing worth more than knowing Jesus.
Are you ready to surrender? Are you ready to lay it all down and let Jesus carry the load that was never intended for you? Will you choose to believe and be saved? And will you choose to follow Christ daily?
Go to follow.lifeword.org and let’s begin this journey together. Let me introduce you to Jesus. Let me help you begin a relationship with the God who created you and loves you.
Leave it all behind. Come to Christ by faith.
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