Enemies of the Cross: The Stomach Gods

“For many, as I have often told you and now tell you even in tears, conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ” ~Philippians 3:18

Who was your role model growing up? Mine was my parents and still is. Maybe you didn’t have a good role model you knew personally but found one on a TV show or sports team you grew up watching. Programs like The Andy Griffith Show featured main characters who went to church, acted like good citizens, and tried to raise their family with Godly values. Today, “role models” aren’t hard to find; in fact, there’s a dearth of those trying to appeal to people of all ages. The question is what kind of “model” are they exhibiting and should we pattern ourselves after them?

Recognizing the Enemies of the Cross

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul understood the appeal of worldly leaders. We don’t have to imagine how much more appealing influencers are today with consumerism, technology, and instant communication at an all-time high. Paul tells us these worldly “role models” are easy to identify: “Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their ‘shame.’ Their minds are occupied with earthly things” (19b).

In his letter to the Philippians, especially in verses 17-21, Paul is saying worldly influencers are enemies of the cross of Christ because they find salvation in and of themselves not in Jesus. Their ideal of leadership extends no further than themselves, which is to say, their way of living is a dead end. Jesus tells us to “Leave them! They are blind guides of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit" (Matt. 15:41).

Patterning Ourselves After Christ

Paul knows that we need leaders on this earth who exemplify Christ “by the power that enables him [Jesus] also to bring all things into subjection to himself (21b).” The way we “change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body” is by doing the opposite of what the world wishes us to do. We must “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses” (1 Tim. 6:11a, 12). By humbling ourselves before God and boldly embracing and proclaiming the faith, the Holy Spirit will transform us into witnesses of Heaven.

Always improve the present moment.