Philippians 3: 17- 4:1
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
A Thought
Paul is reminding us to remember that we are to continue to grow in the righteousness of Christ and not to fall back to be the enemy of the cross by having our mind on earthly things. We are to be encouraged and stand firm in knowing that our citizenship is to be with Christ in our heavenly home. Christ will transform our lowly body to become a glorious body like his. This earth is no longer our home so we do not have any need to build any kingdom here on earth.
Our Prayer
Father help us to reach for your perfection by keeping our mind on you. Thank you that through Jesus Christ our home will be with you and we will receive a glorious body that will be transformed to be like Christ. Help us to find others with the like mind of Christ and to stand firm in your word. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
