⁷But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸What is more, 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 ⁹and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. ¹⁰I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Focused living. That’s what characterized the apostle Paul. Prior to his conversion he had achieved significant status among the Jews. After his conversion he became one of history’s greatest evangelists. But he felt all he possessed and all he had achieved was ‘rubbish’ Compared with the value of knowing Jesus and becoming more like him. His intense love for his Savior inspired Paul’s words in this passage.

How can we cultivate such a lavish love for God? First, by asking God for the desire to make him first in our hearts. Second, by asking God for the strength and stamina to stand strong in the face of our commitment to him, no matter what happens. Third, by devoting time and energy every day to strengthening our love for Jesus Christ.

As with all relationships, our relationship with Jesus is dynamic - constantly growing and changing. It’s a process that continues for as long as we run the race of life. As Paul did, we need to devote our lives to Jesus’ service and develop an intense love for him out of gratitude for what he’s done for us.