Listen

If anyone else has reason to put their confidence in physical advantages, I have even more:

I was circumcised on the eighth day.

I am from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin.

I am a Hebrew of the Hebrews.

With respect to observing the Law, I’m a Pharisee.

With respect to devotion to the faith, I harassed the church.

With respect to righteousness under the Law, I’m blameless.

These things were my assets, but I wrote them off as a loss for the sake of Christ.

Philippians 3:4b-7

Think

It almost feels like Paul is showboating his college application or his resume to his intended audience in Philippi in our passage today. Granted, he is in jail most likely when writing this, but his seemingly humble brag isn’t just a laundry list of his status to try and make himself feel better. It’s to help those who hear his letter to understand what really matters instead.

It’s not that being founder of the robotics team or a chess club volunteer at a senior center or having a whatever point-GPA isn’t maybe a meaningful part of who you are. But Paul reminds us that our identity in Christ is more important.

We are beloved, accepted, forgiven, redeemed, and sent to live out that justice, mercy, and love.

God has chosen to be gracious through Christ, not dependent on anything we’ve done or can go on to do.

No resumes or humble brags needed, just a humble heart open to receiving God’s guidance for how to live out that faith uplifting others.

Molly Logan

Question to Ponder:

What goal is God setting for me today that might be different from what I prioritize and value?

Pray

Gracious and Loving God, thank you for all of who I am, all I’ve accomplished, and all I hope to do in my life.

Help me though to seek to reframe my goals to be guided by your grace and redemption, even if that feels rather humbling today.

Amen.

Go

This is my prayer: that your love might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight.

Philippians 1:9

There’s so much to learn and enjoy of the depth of God’s love.

Embrace a goal of seeking and serving afresh today.