But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. ”- Philippians 3:7 NKJV
In 1964, Nelson Mandela stood before his judges, facing the possibility of death. Instead of pleading for his life, he declared, “It is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” He spent 27 years in prison, refusing to betray his cause. If he could give that much for earthly freedom, what would we give for the cause of Christ?
Apostle Paul, in our anchor text, is an example of a man with a radical approach to Christian living. He had status, education, influence, and respect among his peers, but when Christ became his focus, everything else lost its value. He willingly let go of what once defined him so that Christ alone would define his life (Philippians 3:8).
Living for the cause of Christ requires a shift in perspective—seeing the temporary things of this world for what they are: fleeting, fragile, and ultimately worthless compared to the eternal glory of knowing Him. This is why Paul could endure persecution, imprisonment, and hardship without losing his joy (2 Corinthians 4:16–18). His life was no longer about personal gain but about advancing the gospel, no matter the cost.
Jesus Himself set the standard. He said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). The cross is not a symbol of comfort—it’s a place of surrender and sacrifice. For the cause of Christ, we may be called to lay down ambitions, endure misunderstandings, or make unpopular choices. But like Paul, we count it all joy because our reward is eternal (Matthew 5:11–12).
The truth is, many people are ready to sacrifice greatly for causes that will not matter in eternity. Yet we, who have been called into God’s kingdom, have the highest and holiest cause of all: making Christ known.
Dear believer, we must be ready to stand firm, to let go of anything that hinders us, and to endure whatever comes our way, knowing our labour is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 103-104, Revelation 8