“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you 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 in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:18-19 NIV
The Apostle Paul wrote these words just after expressing the deepest cry of his heart. “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…” (10) The deepest yearning of Paul’s heart was to know Christ as intimately as possible, even as he would declare how difficult the depth of that knowledge is to achieve… “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (12)
Paul knew and had experienced what many Christians never fully embrace — the greatest value in life is knowing Christ deeply. This type of deep spiritual relationship is only achieved through sacrifice and the rejection of earthly things. The Christian today stands in the gap of those seeking to know Christ and glorify him, and living as enemies of the cross of Christ. We are redeemed — yet not fully glorified. We await the full blessing found in Christ, and stand against the empty hope of the world and earthly things. A beacon of hope for the life-change found in Jesus. “Let your light shine before others that they may see…”
What does it mean to be “enemies of the cross of Christ”? It means to choose a life set on earthly things (let’s just state it plainly — sinful things) rather than seeking to know Christ and glorify him. It means spitting in the face of the grace of God that was poured out on Humanity on Golgotha. You see, to be an enemy of the cross of Christ you must first have an understanding of the cross of Christ.
Recently, I felt my heart resonate with Paul. I have thought often of Philippians 3:18. In my prayer times… sometimes through tears… my thoughts have drifted toward those who seem to “live as enemies of the cross of Christ” and my heart has been broken over it. I see their faces in my mind’s eye. People that I know and have loved. People I have poured into and invested in…people who at one time professed Christ — now living as enemies of the cross of Christ, because their minds are set on earthly — sinful— things, and not the grace of God spilled out in Jesus’ blood.
O Christian… we must PRESS ON! I know living for Christ is not always easy. I know the influences of the world seek to poison our life. I know earthly things can gut the priority of pursuing Jesus and knowing him more… but we MUST PRESS ON. Knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection is the only true hope found in this world.
No lifestyle will bring that hope. No social stand, career or earthly relationship will bring that hope. No amount of wealth, success or earthly experience will bring that hope. No amount of personal satisfaction or achievement will provide that hope. Hope is found ONLY in Christ! Following Jesus is worth it! Those in Christ have this lifetime to suffer, but then Eternity to experience joy! If you do not know the joy and hope found in the cross of Christ… I beg you… in the name of Jesus… turn to Christ.
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