The world can read this quote and call it foolishness, just as they consider the Cross of Christ foolishness. (I Corinthians 1:18) But what seems like contradictions to them, are in fact truths of a vibrant Christian life. Paul wrote in Philippians 3:8, ” I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ…” In other words, Paul gladly flung away anything that interfered with knowing Jesus…growing rich in spirit as he became poor by the world’s standards. Again in Philippians, Paul gave the reason for his being was Christ, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Thus by dying daily to self, we live in Christ. Finally, Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that, “The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Hence by emptying ourselves of pride, arrogance, and rebellion, Jesus gives us life…filling us in ever-growing abundance as we follow Him.
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