July 9, 2018

Are You Christ’s Enemy?

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.

– Philippians 3:18

Who do you most admire? Who do you want to be like? Who makes you want to be more than you are today?

Some, wanting to answer correctly, will mention Billy Graham or another great pastor. Others, not understanding the point, will talk about their parents or teachers or other great influences on their lives.

But there is only One that stands above them all. There is only One whom we should admire and strive to be like. Jesus. He is our example of how we should live.

We don’t see ourselves as enemies of Christ. But how many times each day do we deny Him by our actions or our words or our attitudes?

We make excuses. We tell ourselves and others that “It’s just my opinion.” Or “I really don’t like her (him).” Or “I’m just so tired. I’ll skip church so I can sleep in.” Or “I really need some time off and Sunday is the only day I have to go fishing or to the beach or for a bike ride.” Need I continue?

What do you prioritize? What comes first in your life? Who matters most? What would you do to defend them, to spend time with them, to enjoy them? Where does Jesus fit in all that?

I know. I’m asking a lot of questions. It’s not until we ask ourselves some tough things, and give honest answers, that we come to understand that we really can be enemies of Christ without even realizing it.

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. – Philippians 3:19

We become so focused on ourselves that we forget that our focus should be on Him. We are so intent on what we believe that we forget our beliefs should reflect Him. We are so hardhearted that we condemn those we don’t know and judge hearts we can’t see.

And how dare anyone threaten what we think belongs to us. We don’t want to share. We just don’t. We declare our rights as American citizens, as hard workers, as defenders of the constitution. We cling tightly to things of this world, never really considering that we aren’t citizens of this world.

We demand that what others have be given to us. We don’t intend to make sacrifices. We want the best without having to go above and beyond ourselves to get it. No. I’m not talking about welfare recipients, illegal immigrants or the disabled. I’m talking about you. There’s a lot of abuse of our system, a lot of people taking advantage of government programs. I see it everywhere. And you know what? Every single instance of it belongs to someone loftily looking down on those they consider to be lazy and undeserving. They condemn people who are truly in need in a disgusting attempt to justify greedily taking advantage of the system themselves.

Are you denying Jesus? Are you His enemy? Think about it.