I have told you this many times before, and now I repeat it with tears: there are many whose lives make them enemies of Christ’s death on the cross. They are going to end up in hell, because their god is their bodily desires. They are proud of what they should be ashamed of, and they think only of things that belong to this world.
—Philippians 3:18–19 (GNT)
As a believer, you must understand that God desires you to live a life that is worthy of the Gospel, not a life that makes you an enemy of Christ’s death on the cross. It is possible to believe in Jesus and yet live in such a way that your lifestyle, choices, and perspective contradict the power and purpose of the cross.
Imagine a believer who consistently goes clubbing every week for pleasure but attends church once or twice a month and feels it is normal. Or a Christian who claims to love Jesus yet harbors hatred toward a fellow believer. Such a person may believe in Jesus, but their lifestyle places them in opposition to what the cross represents. Sadly, many Christians live this way and even go further, engaging comfortably in activities that make them enemies in the house rather than children in the house.
To avoid this, you must examine your ways and intentionally align your lifestyle and choices with what God approves, while staying away from what He condemns. You are called to reject the works of the flesh and embrace the fruit of the Spirit. This is not foolishness but wisdom, submission, and yieldedness. Do not attempt to justify what God has already called wrong by searching for scriptures to support it.
Paul the Apostle understood the danger of such a lifestyle, which is why he warned the brethren with deep emotion, saying:
I have told you this many times before, and now I repeat it with tears: there are many whose lives make them enemies of Christ’s death on the cross. They are going to end up in hell, because their god is their bodily desires. They are proud of what they should be ashamed of, and they think only of things that belong to this world.
—Philippians 3:18–19 (GNT)
Did you see that? If you are unsure about the kind of lifestyle that makes one an enemy of the cross, the answer is simple. Refuse to be proud of what you should be ashamed of, and do not allow your affection to be fixed only on earthly things. Instead, remember what the Scripture says:
You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory.
—Colossians 3:1–4 (GNT)
When your heart and mind are fixed on Christ, your life will naturally reflect the power of the cross and not oppose it.
Today’s Rhema
No matter what, let your lifestyle, choices, and actions be worthy of the Gospel.
Prayer
Father, I am grateful for opening my eyes to this wonderful truth today. I choose this day to be yielded and submitted to You, and I declare that my life and choices will bring You glory and not shame, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
