Irvin Wasswa- Tylertown Campus Pastor

Philippians 3:8
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

One of my favorite debates here recently among friends has been the Whataburger vs In N Out debate. As a matter of fact this debate has been a hot topic between myself and a couple of our Tylertown members. If you do not know, In N Out Burger is a burger chain based out of California, whereas Whataburger is from Texas and is a staple there. Being from Texas of course I wave the Whataburger flag. I love it! There were many nights growing up where my friends and I would go to Whataburger and order their delicious breakfast (Opened 24 hours and served breakfast after 11pm) or if we wanted to treat ourselves go there and grab a double meat patty with cheese and extra bacon. MY GOODNESS! I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! Due to my experience though In N Out is not a bad burger joint, the reality is nothing compares to Whataburger. It is no doubt in a class of its own. 

The apostle Paul here in Philippians 3 echoes that same reality when it comes to knowing Christ Jesus as Lord! He spends the chapter challenging the Philippian Christians to guard themselves from false teachers who are teaching that they need to live a life of performance in order to earn God’s love. He warns them of the trap they can find themselves in. He then moves to sharing his testimony of how he lived a life like that. Paul was highly respected and regarded in his community. In today’s terms he had all the accolades. He had all the degrees and achieved all the accomplishments he was chasing, however he says that pursuing and achieving those things did not compare to the greatness of knowing the Lord. In his statement in vs.8 what he is saying is that he would rather have Jesus than any of those things. Can we say the same thing? 

There is no problem pursuing dreams nor is there an issue being ambitious. However, the issue comes whenever you choose to pursue those things above choosing to pursue Jesus. The reason being is because in short Jesus is better. The pursuit of performance, accolades, fame, money, you name it at the end of the day will never compare to the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. As a matter of fact, solely pursuing those things will leave you at the end of your life empty with just a bunch of stuff.

Lately I have been thinking about this reality of getting the chance to commune with the Creator of the Universe. Because of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection in Him we are saved (Romans 10:9); in Him we are free (Galatians 5:1); in Him we can live in peace (Philippians 4:6-7); in Him there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11); in Him there is true satisfaction (Psalm 107:9). In Him there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1). Hallelujah! 

Listen friend, there is nothing that compares to the greatness of knowing Jesus Christ! If you are in Him today, rest in that reality today. Do not let the dreams and pursuits overtake your pursuit of Jesus. Love Him well. Choose to follow Him. Choose to serve Him. This world and its pleasures are fun and entertaining, but may we always be able to say that we would rather have Jesus. 

SONG OF WORSHIP FOR TODAY: I’d Rather Have Jesus- Jeff Johnson

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to always choose you! You are so much better than any other things this world may offer us. May my worldly dreams and pursuits never outweigh my pursuit of knowing You and making You known. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Philippians 3:12
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.