Philippians 3:8-9 - Being found in Him

Philippians 3:8-9 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

Observation

I hold many people dear in my life, my husband and children making the top of the list.  I even hold ministry and RiverPoint church dear.  Is Paul saying I'm missing it, because I hold these things dear?  Well it depends, is my hope in them?  Are they more dear to me then Christ?  Am I distracted by them and therefore not drawing unto Christ?

This verse makes me stop and think about what and who I am afraid of losing. I would like to boast that I am not afraid of losing anyone or anything, but that would be a lie. 

I also wonder, if I really counted all as lost for the sake of Christ, how much more would I be found in Him?  I have a friend who is a widow and she is such a reflection of Christ in my life.  Every time I see her, I find her "in Him".

I gave up a ministry and a church family that I held dear for the sake of Christ.  Although, Christ had every reason to take the ministry away from me, due to my pride and flawed nature, I know that is not why He did it. He did it so that I may be found "in Him". 

The only thing righteous about me is Christ. My driven personality would like to make salvation about works, but I'm humbled when I realize that no matter how good I am I will never be good enough to receive an eternal relationship with my maker. My heart breaks when I see my self-righteousness come out, for I know how disgusting that is to God and how it belittles others.  I know in me, I could easily be a Pharisee. 

However, I believe that God will complete the good work He has begun in me; that even when He takes away all that I hold dear, it is only so that I can be found more "in Him".

Prayer

Father I confess that selfish ambition and vain conceit have driven me to self-righteous actions.  I repent and ask that in all circumstances I would consider others better then myself (Philippians 2:3-4). I humble myself before You and praise You as the great Refiner of my life.  Wash me in the river of Your sacrifice.  Purify me with hyssop.  Become more in me, so that I will be less (John 3:30).