“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8).

Consider the following scenarios.

Christ makes a difference

Consider two people impressively accomplished—highly educated, successful by every measure, influential locally and culturally. Both are the type whom parents point out as role models for their kids. Yet dig deeper beneath the impressive accomplishments and discover a key difference. Are those accomplishments the goal of life or undeserved gifts from God? For only one of these people, Jesus is the difference.

Consider two people recently diagnosed with advanced cancer. Both have felt the gut punch of the diagnosis. Both will have to undergo difficult treatments that will weaken their bodies. Both have to face the reality of what the future holds for them. Both have loved ones struggling to wrap their own minds around this news. Yet dig deeper beneath the reality of cancer and discover a key difference. While both people may struggle to find meaning and strength, only one finds peace in the Savior whose presence never ends and whose promises never go unfulfilled. Jesus is the difference.

Consider two children playing on a playground. Each sees a friend crying. Both go to their friends to find out what’s wrong. Both try to help and be kind. Yet dig deeper beneath the kindness shown to their friends. Does kindness come from doing what you’re supposed to do or from sharing the love of Jesus? Jesus is the difference.

That difference affects our outcome

In so many ways, we are no different from the people around us. We have accomplishments. We have struggles. We have opportunities to serve others. In so many ways, every one of us is just another human being living in a world full of human beings, but that’s not all that we are. As Christians, we are different.

So, what makes us different? It’s not how we look. It’s not what we’ve accomplished. It’s not where we come from or where we’ve been. It’s not who we’re related to or what social circles we dwell in or how much money we have in the bank. About all such earthly things, the apostle Paul would say, “That’s all loss . . . that’s all garbage.”

Garbage? Really? How could he be so harsh?

Paul was well accomplished and highly influential. He had experienced more successes and struggles than most of us ever will. Yet Paul considered all of it “loss”—all of it “garbage”—because of Christ. Jesus made all the difference in the world for Paul—forgiving his sins, strengthening him in weakness, calming his troubled heart, and giving him eternal life. Nothing else compared to what he had in Jesus.

As we look at our lives, do we treasure what we have or have experienced, or do we see life through Christ? Jesus helps us see success and accomplishment with godly contentment. Jesus helps us see struggle and suffering with peace that trusts in his promises. Jesus helps us see service as opportunities to serve him as we serve others.

In life, in death, Jesus is our difference.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see every aspect of my life through you and your love for souls like me. Whether in times of success, struggle, or service, be the difference for me and those around me. Amen.

Author: Jeremiah Gumm
Volume 112, Number 08
Issue: August 2025