Philippians:2-4, “Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. ³ For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence.”

Paul is writing a letter explaining the importance of where we put our confidence. Jewish people often referred to Gentiles as “dogs.” During this time period, dogs were not depicted as wonderful, man’s best friend, cuddling by the fireplace beings. No, dogs were vicious hunters and foragers. But Paul is not referencing the Gentiles as dogs but the Jewish people who believe the way to God is through circumcision. He is denouncing the idea that works, certain laws of doing, acts that distinguish Jews from Gentiles are the avenues to justification by God. The circumcision we need to be most concerned about is of the heart. He even goes further to state that if anyone should be confident in the Jewish laws of justification by God, it is him. Before Paul became a Christian, he persecuted Christians. Paul is telling us that it is not about what we do, because he has followed Jewish law perfectly, it is about who we are in Christ.

We are valuable because Jesus died for us; He paid the price for us.

It seems on a daily basis almost, I encounter someone who feels they have no value. This internal dilemma causes them to do things that either harm them or someone they love. Self-inflicted wounds, doubts, anger, addictive behavior, unreasonable reactions, and willful injury to others all stem from an untrue belief that a person has no worth. God, our Father, is saying to us, “You are so valuable to Me, I have paid the highest price possible to save you, to redeem you, to revive you, to give you a good life.”

What are you putting your confidence in?

God wants us to put our trust in Him, and Him alone. Today, thank God for making you such a valuable person. Thank Him for loving you unconditionally. Praise Him that there is nothing you can say or do to make Him love you less or love you more. Start realizing it is “WHO” you are in Christ, not what you “DO” in Christ that counts.