https://odb.org/2023/09/06/im-nobody-who-are-you
Philippians 3:8-9 is undoubtedly an interesting piece of Scripture where Paul declared his life before knowing Christ as dung or rubbish although he was at that time the creme de la creme of the Jews, being a Pharisee trained by Gamaliel and a member of the Sanhedrin. Thus, a popular interpretation of these verses is that the quest to be somebody in the world is a meaningless and useless pursuit and should thus be abandoned.
But seriously, will Philippians 3 be sufficient to deter us from wanting to carve a name for ourselves in the world? Even in the Christian world and the church, Christians want to be somebody rather than a nobody. Pastors want to have a Dr to their name and pursue academic qualifications, some for credibility, some for recognition. I personally do not think there is anything wrong with further studies as the more knowledge we have, the better equipped we will likely be to minister and serve, and to fulfil God’s plans and purposes for our lives. However, I find it strange that there are ministers going for titles like Apostles and Prophets. But I digress.
For me, I think the quest to be somebody in the world is a natural drive that perhaps should not be suppressed but should instead be sanctified and committed to God. Like our dreams and ambitions, if sanctified and aligned with God’s plans and purposes for our lives, it would surely kill two birds with one stone! We get to fulfil both God’s plans and our dreams. Of course, we must still follow Paul’s narrative and consider all that we are in the world or the church or in ministry as dung compared to the honour and privilege of personally knowing Christ. Knowing Christ beats everything else as He is the only thing that is truly eternal for He is the Word. He was at the beginning and will be there at the end. He is our Alpha and our Omega, the author and finisher of our faith.
Whether we are pursuing a name for ourselves in the world or the church, it is not of significance compared to Christ. Christ is the only way to the Father. He is the only one who really matters. What benefit is it to us if we gain the whole world but lose our souls?
Ronnie's Thoughts 