Becoming A Nobody

 Are you a NOBODY?  There's one at the church I attend.  I respect him although there are those who only do to a limited degree and he sometimes gets scolded by them.  He is available for almost everything asked and not asked of him even though he may have less skill and talent than others.  He is there.  He is ready.  He is willing to be used for the Master's use.

The part of the Philippians' passage that reads,

"...not that I ...am already perfect ..."

really describes him.  He still,

"...presses on to make [what is asked of him] [his] own, because Christ Jesus has made [him] His own" (Philippians 3:14 ESV).

Another sister-in-Christ recently handed me her business card.  She has quite the list of accredation to her name.  They are listed front and back of the card.   Her husband, looking over her shoulder, said with a proud grin, "She needs a third page".  Some of her credits have yet to be listed. (Oh, don't get me wrong, she's actually a very nice person and I like talking with her.)  She uses her abilities and training for the Lord and to help bring justice and hope to those who can't help themselves - those "poor and needy" Jesus talks about.

Paul's list in Philippians 3:4-14 just kind of reminded me of this sister's  list.  Paul said that whatever he had attained and gained and whatever his pedigree, he counted it,

"... for loss for the sake of Christ" (vs 7).

All Paul's former prestige and accolades were nothing compared to what he had in Christ.  He preferred to know Christ and the

 "... power of His resurrection and [to] share in his sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible [he] may attain the resurrection from the dead" (vs10-11). 

 This is what he came to value above all else.

He was once a Somebody who became a Nobody for Christ.  So in our careers and strivings to attain our dreams and goals in life to support ourselves and families, keep this perspective in view.  What is it that I value above all else?  Am I willing to become a Nobody for Christ?  Are my heart and soul ready?

It could be humbling for us especially when viewed through society's eyes or with some family members who do not understand us but it is like Christ who humbled Himself and became a man (see Philippians 2:5-11).  Jesus was a man who was despised and rejected but whom God acknowledged and loved.  He said, 

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (see Matthew 3:17 ESV).

Wow!  As followers of Jesus Christ we have become children of God who ought to become more and more like Christ, with whom our God and Heavenly Father is well pleased.  This is what nobodies do.  May Christ's grace abound in all our hearts as we go forth as a 'Nobody'.

Are you a Nobody?

                                                ~ ERC  January 2025 ~

Based on Philippians 3:4-14 (ESV).

Sing, To Be Like Christ, along with River Valley Worship.