Dung For A Diamond

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, - Philippians 3:8

    The individual to whom Christ has been revealed in sovereign regeneration has been given a brand new perspective concerning the value of himself, and the necessity of prominence among the high and mighty of this world. Anything that would be a rival against the child of God’s view of the Lord Jesus Christ is only esteemed as worthy of being cast out as filth. The worst of our filth is our best. Our own righteousness is our abomination.

    Our goodness is a cesspool of iniquity. The believer’s desire for Christ and his righteousness progressively and perpetually causes contempt for self. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor (hate) myself, and repent in dust and ashes (Jb 42:5-6). This is not progressive sanctification; this is the effect of growing in grace and knowledge of Christ. Although nothing changes as to our relationship with Christ, we increasingly have a clearer view of him and of ourselves.

    By God’s grace we will finally realize we have given up nothing! What is dung compared to a diamond? What is this world compared to Christ? Who am I compared to Christ? There is nothing to compare with the glory, beauty, and worth of Christ; being found in him and clothed in his righteousness.

“He is all my righteousness!
I stand in him complete
and worship Him!”

    We hear a lot in religious circles about self-esteem and how to be better Christians, thereby attaining more of what we desire in this world and in the end a greater reward in heaven. This does nothing more than cultivate the anti-Christ self-righteousness that dominates the proud hearts of every unbeliever. The child of God is made to give it up daily.

    We are constrained to be in agreement with the inspired words of the Apostle, For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing (Rom 7:18).