By: The Rev. Dr. W. Ross Blackburn
What did Paul regard as loss, and count as rubbish? His righteousness. His religious background. Rather, Paul is concerned with one thing: “One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul does not look to his past. He goes to Christ. What a word of grace this is-go to Christ.
When Jesus calls us to come to him, he cares not from where we come, only that we come. The invitation is for all. All.
Just beyond the boundaries of the lectionary text for today, Paul exhorts the Philippians to “join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” What is that example? To run to Christ.
This is a word for us, for pastors. A church that is led by a debtor to grace is a church that will eventually be filled by those who know their debt to grace. And it will become a community to which sinners flee. This is particularly important when considering abortion. Those considering abortion are often reluctant to come to the church because they are afraid they will be condemned for their sexual sin. An unwed mother will not grow large in a self-righteous community. Those who have had abortions, or been involved in them, are often reluctant to come to the church for fear of being condemned for their involvement. But a church free from self-righteousness, a community of sinners who have fled to Christ, is a shelter where the weary and heavy-laden will find relief and refuge. It may not happen overnight. But it will happen.