DEVOTION – DAY 273

Philippians 3:17-19 “Good Role Models”

 

Philippians 3:17-19 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as 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.

 

Paul urged Christians to follow his example – to live for the Lord Jesus Christ, to selflessly serve and obey the Lord. Such a lifestyle is a worthy model for Christians to follow. On the other hand, Paul contrasted his lifestyle with the lifestyles of unbelievers. Unbelievers live selfish and self-centered lives. Instead of seeking salvation, unbelievers give in to their own desires – referred to in v19 as being led by the “god of their stomach”. Thus, instead of serving others, they focus on earthly pursuits like getting rich at the expense of others, gaining status by stepping over other people in order to get ahead in life, and so on. Such actions would ultimately lead to unbelievers being judged for their sins, as referred to “their destiny is destruction.”

 

The choice we face is simple. We either choose salvation and follow Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This means we must be prepared to live a life like Paul, obedient to God’s call for us, and to serve others. Or, we choose to live for ourselves and face God’s judgment for our sins of rejecting Jesus as Lord and Savior, for our selfish acts, and for all our acts of disobedience. Paul’s advice is for everyone to follow his example – to trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior and to live for Him.

 

We knew a young man who came to our church searching to know more about God. He was torn between following the ways of this world, to pursue worldly ambitions, or to follow Jesus. He could see the difference between people who were non-Christians living as “enemies of Christ”, living selfishly in the marketplace, and Christians he came across in church who showed him genuine care and concern without expecting anything in return. We continue to pray for his salvation and that God will touch his heart to want to follow Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you have called us to love you with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. You have called us to love others as our own bodies. Please help us to live our lives in obedience to your calling for us. Help us to be good examples, just as Paul was, so that we can draw people to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus. We humbly ask this in our Savior, Jesus Christ’ mighty name. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. How have you lived your life so that you can be a good role model for unbelievers?
  2. What changes are you going to make in your behavior and actions so that you can be a better role model for the Lord?
  3. Why is it important for Christians to be good role models for the Lord?
  4. Why is the lure of worldly attractions and lifestyles so attractive and strong? Discuss.