If you have lived for more than a couple of decades, I’m guessing that there are some dearly held beliefs you had when you were younger – some beliefs you’ve since revisited and found lacking in value or truth. Maybe you’ve even wondered where that belief originated! Some beliefs originated from family traditions or cultural biases – but who knows where some of the others came from (such as: only Baptists will be in heaven). Some of our beliefs were based solely on family expectations. Paul had some of those beliefs and expectations too! 

But his encounter with the living Christ on the road to Damascus almost gave him whiplash as he did a 180⁰ turnaround. The things he believed and valued were upended when Jesus blinded him with a bright light that day so that he could see Truth. Paul tells us about this radical and sudden change in his beliefs in his letter to the Philippian believers: 

But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]. But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ… (Philippians 3:7-8 Amp) 

Some of Paul’s dearly held beliefs – including the one where he felt compelled to persecute Christians – no longer had a home in his value system. The achievements he formerly thought were quite significant he no longer valued at all. He considered them as loss, absolutely worthless – garbage! Some of his accomplishments were truly noteworthy; it’s just that in comparison with knowing Christ, they were insignificant – absolutely worthless, even garbage! 

All those other beliefs and values were NOTHING compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ and continually getting to know Him better. He described it as a joy unequaled. 

What are some beliefs that you have held too tightly in the past? Are you willing to take another look at those beliefs? Are you ready to experience joy unequaled – the joy that comes from knowing Christ and finding our worth in Him alone? 

By Judy Shrout