Philippians 3:1 KJV Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

It was the last full week of school at Sam Houston Elementary school, and we were excited that it was almost summer break. We had one last big day to celebrate before the end of school, and today was that day. It was the annual Awards Day celebration. We all gathered in the gymnasium and took our seats on the bleachers. Ribbons were handed out for Principal’s List, Honor Roll, and my personal favorite – perfect attendance! You were awarded a shiny blue ribbon with the words “Perfect Attendance” written across it in gold letters. What a feeling is was to proudly have your name called out for all to hear and to be given that wonderful blue ribbon. Proudly, I received it, and even more proudly, I strutted back to by seat with ribbon in hand. I was part of the celebrated crowd. I had earned an award, and this accomplishment gave me special status. It made me special, and I took great pride in showing it off.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul spoke compellingly against the Judaizers in the church who were parading the fact that they kept the religious customs of the law, including circumcision. They were thoroughly convinced that they were the blue-ribbon Christians. However, their holier-than-thou attitude was a source of division in the church. Paul’s advice to these “blue-ribbon” Christians was to stop rejoicing in their own accomplishments, and start rejoicing in the Lord.

When Paul gave this command to them, he was calling for something deeper to take place in them. It is a call to forsake our preoccupation with things that elevate us and to instead live in a way that makes Jesus the focus of our pride. To show the importance of this, Paul gave a personal testimony in verses 4-6. After listing his own achievements, he said that he had learned: Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Philippians 3:8 KJV.

The reality is this – there are no “blue-ribbon” Christians. We all have one blue ribbon, Jesus Christ. Whatever it is in your life that you want to brag about… don’t do it! As Jeremiah said, But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken! Jeremiah 9:24 NLT

When we can accomplish this, we go from “Let me tell you what I did” to “Let me tell you who Jesus is”.