OCTOBER 21 

Rubbish vs. Treasure 

Bible Reading: Philippians 3:4-11 

Philippians 3:7-9, “But 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. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.” 

In 2014, a Northern California couple out walking their dog stumbled across a modern-day bonanza buried in the shadow of an old tree. Day after day, they would walk that portion of their property, unaware of what lay beneath the surface. Over time, erosion worked to unearth the top of a can that was buried along the path. Curious, they stopped to investigate. Guess what they found? 1427 coins in rare, uncirculated coins in mint condition, dating from 1847 to 1894, and worth an estimated $10 million!  Now, before you rush out to walk your property, consider this… in Christ, you already possess “unsearchable riches” (Ephesians 3:8)!

Paul came to understand the riches he possessed in Christ and henceforth viewed his past religiosity as mere rubbish. Note the repetition of the terms “counted” and “gain” and “loss.” The term “counted” is an accounting term and appears in verses 7 and 8. It’s in the present tense, speaking of a continual conviction Paul had about these things. The terms “gain” and “loss” are likewise accounting terms. So, what we have here is Paul weighing the other things in his life on the one hand and the value of knowing Christ on the other. It is his profit and loss statement. 

On the loss side of things were the various elements of his religious resume, including his impressive religious pedigree, position, practice, passion and even his religious perfection (Philippians 3:4-6). He had been respected and admired by his peers. He had been self-confident and assured in his own religiosity. He was a citizen of Tarsus, a place for families of wealth and reputation. He was taught by the famous Gamaliel. He had power, position, and possessions, friendships, family relationships, and in a purpose and a cause for which he was laboring, the respect of his peers. All of that, Paul counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 

Yet, notice Paul’s perspective when it comes to the loss side of the ledger. He not only counted those things and all things to be loss, but he also counted them to be “rubbish.” The KJV translates the term “dung.” According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary the term can either be understood to be referring to “excrement,” or to “the leavings which are to be thrown from the table.” Paul had previously devoted his life to such things, but now they were to him as that which should be thrown away to the dogs. Worthless scraps. 

On the plus side of things was but one thing—” the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). The term “surpassing” translates a term meaning “to have over.” It means more excellent, or superior, or super better. Knowing Christ is not just better, but super better! So much so, that in Him lie “unsearchable riches” (Ephesians 3:8). In knowing Him, “we have this treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Nothing can compare to knowing Jesus!  Everything else pails in comparison, no matter how much it once seemed to matter!

KNOWING YOU, JESUS

All I once held dear, built my life upon
All this world reveres, and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now, compared to this

Knowing You, Jesus
Knowing You
There is no greater thing
You’re my all, You’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness
And I love You, Lord

Now my heart’s desire is to know You more
To be found in You and known as Yours
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All-surpassing gift of righteousness

Knowing You, Jesus
Knowing You
There is no greater thing
You’re my all, You’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness
And I love You, Lord

Oh, to know the power of Your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like You in Your death, my Lord
So with You to live and never die

Knowing You, Jesus
Knowing You
There is no greater thing
You’re my all, You’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness
And I love You, Lord

Songwriters: Graham Kendrick
Knowing You Jesus lyrics © Make Way Music

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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