Stephan Hoffman

Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 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. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! Philippians 3:16-4:1

Paul strives to be a follower of Christ. He also encourages fellow believers to follow this example and to live fully on course. It breaks his heart to see that there are some who are hostile to the cross of Christ. He realises that they end life without Christ, and that this means true death. In the previous section Paul redefined life and death. You can be physically alive but spiritually dead, or you can die and live with Christ forever!

The path of transformation begins by changing your thoughts (compare Romans 12). If you think only of earthly things, that is where you will remain. Then your choices, actions and words will inevitably lead you down an earthly path. But if your mind is set on Christ, then your words and actions change and you start to go a different way.

Your identity changes and you become a citizen of heaven. I wonder if we think of ourselves as part of Christ's kingdom? Your fears and worries make room for the hope and expectation that is in Christ. Your trust is no longer in yourself, your own strength, money, power, or even your own body. No, you rely on the power of Jesus Christ.

When we start to think like this about life and about ourselves, we can stand firm in the Lord. No challenge or earthly obstacle can be too much for us, because we are new people in Christ Jesus.

Perhaps you want to examine your own attitude again. Let us make sure that our thoughts, words and deeds are set on Christ. Let us be imitators of God, standing firm in this way throughout our lives!

Prayer: Lord, so many times I have had my eyes on you and then started walking down the wrong path. So many times I followed my own mind and did not ask if it was your will. So many times my words and actions have hurt other people. Please help me to have the right mindset. May my thoughts, words and deeds be guided by you. Lead me by your Spirit so that I will follow you and stay on the right path throughout my life. Thank you that you walk every step with me and never leave me. Amen