Counting the Cost

For those in Christ, what we lose has small value in comparison to what we gain.

I gain Christ.

Christ, the "image of the invisible God, firstborn of all creation." (Col. 1:15)
Christ, by whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers of authorities - all things were created through Him and for Him." (Col. 1:16)
Christ, who "is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." (Col. 1:17)
Christ, who "in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross." (Col. 1:19-20)

"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 that comes from God and depends on faith - that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead." Phil. 3:7-11

"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." Col. 3:3-4

"Then Jesus told His disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let Him deny Himself and take up His cross and follow me. For whoever would save His life will lose it, but whoever loses His life for my sake will find it." Matt. 16:24-25