WALKING RIGHTLY BEFORE GOD AND OTHERS
READ Philippians 3:17-21
There is much effort that goes into mentoring if it is done well. One of the great basics of mentoring is show and tell. Notice the words of Paul to the Philippians concerning walking rightly in the Christian life.
Learn from those who walk biblically – vs. 17. “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” What Paul is telling us is to follow his example and observe others which have the same pattern for living. We can learn simply by observing others who walk righteously.
Be warned by those who are unruly – vs. 18-19. “(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” It is possible for both believers and those who are lost to be enemies of the cross of Christ. It is sobering to think that one who professes Christianity can be an enemy of the cross of Christ by living like the world. Paul said in Titus 1:10, “…there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers…”
Make sure that you walk as a citizen of Heaven – vs. 20-21. These verses are exciting to contemplate. “For our conversation [the idea is citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.” I am a registered citizen of heaven! My name is written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life! I am looking for Jesus to come and change my vile body like unto His glorious body. Hallelujah! Only God can accomplish such a feat.
May our walk be distinctively Christian as we continue to live in this dark and perverted world. Heaven is our place of citizenship. May we live like Jesus every day!
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Are people drawn to you because of your witness? Why or why not?
2. What makes a person become an enemy of the cross?
3. What difference does it make if we are citizens of heaven or of earth?
4. What are some things we can do to help us focus upon the Lord’s return?