Philippians 3

Paul wrote that we should not have confidence in the things of the flesh - those things we can do in and of ourselves. He had been brought up doing everything properly in the flesh (according to the law) but counted it all as garbage compared to what Jesus had done for him. Paul encouraged his readers to keep their eyes on Jesus, moving forward and reaching for the prize.

Following Jesus is not the best way - it is the only way. Anything we try to do in and of ourselves can't compare to what Christ has done for us. Whatever we do, we must first model our lives after Jesus from the inside out. If our actions aren't preceded by love for Jesus and love for others, we are acting according to the flesh. We will only receive the rewards we seek when we do what the One who offers the rewards has asked of us.