Thoughts for the Day

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.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Paul is writing to his beloved church in Philippi (those who have supported him financially and through their prayers), and in the third Chapter of his Epistle, he calls them to join in “imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us”. He is not really boasting, just stating a fact. He has given up everything for Christ Jesus, and suffered severely for his loyalty. Neither is he saying he is perfect, after all he started out by killing Christians.

Many of us will have grown up copying someone, imitating their words or actions as a hero. It might have been a family member, or a favourite actor, or singer. Sometimes we've copied their every move, or their style of dressing. It's only when we look back that we can see how ridiculous we looked and how imperfect our heroine or hero was, despite their good qualities.

Citizens of a country owe their allegiance to that country, obeying its laws and customs. As a citizen we cannot pick and choose which laws to obey and which to reject. If we break the law we can expect to be in trouble at some point. As citizens of heaven we (and the Philippians) are called to obey God's Law – to love God and to love one another -to put it at its simplest level. Paul reminds us that the world Has it mind on earthly things, and we are not to follow them.

Lord Jesus Christ,
help us to remember
that we are citizens of Heaven.
Teach us to obey Your laws,
and to copy Your example,
rather than that set by the world.
Forgive our mistakes
and call us back when we stray,
so that we may continue to follow You.
Amen.