October 16, 2024
We know that our everyday decisions and perspectives make a long-lasting impact on our lives. In his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul compares people who live for their own appetite and pleasure to people who have their eyes fixed on God and his kingdom.
Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
Philippians 3:17-21
Have you ever seen someone who lives mostly for pleasure and what feels good in the moment? How does that impact them over time? Have you ever been that person?
This passage includes a reminder that one day Jesus will bring everything under his control, and in the process, transform our bodies. How do you react to knowing this?
Pause for a moment and pray. Ask Jesus to help you have a perspective that is grounded in the promise that he will return to set things completely right someday.
Practice: Think about a challenging situation or relationship. Consider what it would be like for you to follow Jesus’ example of humility and self-sacrifice.