Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation* so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
THOUGHTS
Paul's words here are quite challenging, even condemning. But I wonder how many today read them in that way. It seems easy to read Paul's lament of those who are "enemies of the cross", solemnly nod our heads, and then feel thankful that we are not in that category, that we are "citizens of heaven." But are we? Paul writes that those who are enemies of the cross have their god in the belly; that their minds are set on earthly things. If we truly examine ourselves can honestly say that we are much different?
For the early Christians, committing oneself as a follower of Christ was not a decision lightly made. It meant turning one's life away from the common (and often mandatory) practices of daily life. Citizenship in heaven meant and still means that our loyalty is to God and God's ways first. But it seems that often the "heft" of the cross of Christ is ignored or pushed aside. Who is our god? The God of love, grace and forgiveness or the god of success, comfort and personal security? Where are our minds focused? On service, community, and God's will or on gaining wealth, ladder climbing, and the accumulation of possessions?
PRAYER
Dear Lord, during this time of Lent, let us examine our thoughts and our hearts and hear the challenge Paul raised to the church at Philippi to be "citizens of heaven". Help us to hear your voice and follow your path throughout each day. Amen.
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Thoughts by Kriss Buss, young adult member of King of Kings Lutheran Church
Thoughts by Kriss Buss, young adult member of King of Kings Lutheran Church
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These devotions for young adults are provided by:
Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University http://www.gmu.edu/org/lutheran
Lutheran Student Association at the University of Maryland http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~lutheran/lsa/
DC Young Adults http://www.dcyoungadults.org/
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