The Joy of Full Surrender

“But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ and be found in him…” - Philippians 3:7-11

Paul was the poster child for religious success. A Hebrew of Hebrews. Zealous. Righteous according to the law. His spiritual resume was impressive. If anyone could’ve earned their way into God’s favor, it was Paul.

But then he met Jesus—and suddenly, everything that once glittered looked like garbage. Not because it was worthless in itself, but because next to Jesus, it was. The language Paul uses is striking: he considers his former gains as “dung” (the Greek word here, skubalon, is shockingly vulgar—it refers to waste, filth, refuse). Paul is saying, “Compared to Jesus, my spiritual pedigree is sewage.”

And here’s where it gets uncomfortable: Paul isn’t just talking about his sin—he’s talking about his success. It wasn’t just his failures that needed to be surrendered, it was his wins. His accomplishments. His status. His pride.

You see, sometimes what keeps us from full surrender isn’t our brokenness—it’s our self-sufficiency. It’s the illusion that we’re doing just fine on our own. But Paul’s words shatter that illusion. The moment he tasted the surpassing worth of Christ, he realized that nothing else could compare.

Here’s the beauty of full surrender: it’s not loss, it’s gain. Paul gave up everything and walked away with Christ—and he called it the best deal imaginable. No earthly success or comfort could come close to the soul-deep joy of knowing Jesus.

So, do you believe that? Do you believe that gaining Christ is worth losing everything? Because the invitation of the gospel is not just to receive Jesus—it’s to treasure Him above all.

Reflection Questions:

• What are you still holding onto, fearing that surrendering it will leave you empty?
• Do you genuinely see Jesus as better than your accomplishments, comfort, or reputation?

Take an inventory of your heart today. Identify any area where you are still valuing something above Jesus—whether it’s a career ambition, a relationship, your comfort, or even your reputation. Ask the Lord for the grace to release your grip. Then, take one tangible step of surrender, whether through sacrificial giving, serving, or confessing hidden pride.

Prayer:
Jesus, You are better. Better than my success. Better than my comfort. Better than my control. Strip me of every counterfeit treasure. Let me taste and see that You are infinitely more valuable than anything this world offers. Give me the courage to live like You are my surpassing worth. Amen.