Living by Faith, Not by Human Achievements
Sometimes in life, we rely too much on our own accomplishments, status, or abilities to define our worth or to feel secure. The passage in Philippians 3 helps us understand that true value and purpose come not from what we can achieve on our own, but from knowing and trusting in Jesus Christ.
What Does “No Confidence in the Flesh” Mean?
To put it simply, “the flesh” represents all the things we can accomplish on our own—the things that make us proud in a worldly sense. This could be our career success, education, good deeds, or even adherence to religious practices. Paul, the author of Philippians, warns against putting too much trust in these things. Instead, he encourages us to rely on God and His grace, which is far greater than anything we can achieve by ourselves.
Paul himself had an impressive résumé by worldly and religious standards. He was born into the right heritage, followed all the religious laws, and was highly zealous in his beliefs. If anyone could boast about their achievements, it was him! But he realized that these things, no matter how impressive, were nothing compared to the joy and purpose of knowing Christ.
Why Is Confidence in Christ Better?
Paul explains that anything we gain in this world pales in comparison to the “surpassing worth” of knowing Jesus. He even uses strong language, calling his former achievements “garbage” when compared to the righteousness and peace that come from faith in Christ.
When we focus on Christ instead of ourselves, we gain something extraordinary: a relationship with God, a sense of purpose, and the promise of eternal life. This doesn’t mean that our accomplishments or good works are bad, but they shouldn’t be the foundation of our value or faith.
The Goal: Pressing Onward
Paul also talks about moving forward, not looking back. He admits he isn’t perfect and hasn’t fully achieved his goal, but he keeps striving. What is his goal? To live a life centered on Christ, marked by faith, and to eventually experience eternal life with Him.
He compares this journey to a race. Imagine a runner, focused entirely on the finish line, straining forward with every ounce of energy. That is how Paul describes his journey with faith—it’s not about what’s behind him but about what lies ahead.
Following the Right Example
Paul encourages others to follow his example and to watch out for those who live in ways opposed to Christ. He warns that many people are consumed by earthly things, like personal desires or materialism, and that their focus leads them away from God. Instead, he reminds us that our real home is in heaven, not here on earth. As Christians, we are called to keep our eyes on God and trust in His plan.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
Here’s the takeaway: We don’t have to rely on our own abilities or achievements to have value or purpose. Our worth comes from God, and our real joy is found in Him. When we stop trying to prove ourselves to the world and start trusting in Christ, we find freedom, peace, and hope.
So, the challenge is to shift our focus. Instead of measuring life by what we’ve accomplished, let’s focus on our relationship with God. Let’s keep moving forward, striving to live a life full of faith, love, and hope, knowing that the best is yet to come.
Minister A Francine Green, April 2026
afrancinegreen.com 