Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. (Philippians 3:7–8)

For us to sing “all I have is Christ,” with full hearts, we have to believe Christ is better than all we have ever had or known besides him.

“All I have” means everything else has fallen away, at least by comparison.

Nothing else can stand in the light of the joy he brings.

Even the very best gifts God has given us are but suggestions of all that he is for us — beautiful, merciful, enjoyable suggestions, but suggestions nonetheless.

In the secret of your heart, how does Jesus stand up to your other loves?

Does every other good, every other talent, every other relationship bow before him?

Or does he often get lost in the weeds of other pleasures?

Would you be happy to have Christ if you could have nothing but him?

Can you say with the psalm,

Whom have I in heaven but you?
     And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
     but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
     (Psalm 73:25–26)

The apostle Paul knew what it was like to have everything here on earth — success, power, wealth, esteem.

Despite all he used to have, Paul could say, “Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”

Have you chosen, like Paul, to dwell in the riches found in Christ at the loss of the world?

Are you willing to let go of the gilded toys around you, and bask in the fullness of joy found at the feet of the Savior?