Enemies of the Cross

Philippians 3:18-19

“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. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.”

My heart breaks for so many lost souls who are even now as I once was before Christ. Paul could have been describing me. Thank you, Jesus, it is no longer true of me, and I pray you too can say the same.

We are called to be ambassadors of Christ (see devotional for December 2), and as such, it is our duty to tell as many as possible about the love and forgiveness of God. We must pray diligently for those who are lost, and we should also pray for boldness and confidence to share the Good News with them.

Especially in these last days, our daily lives ought to bear witness of the reality of the power of God to truly transform a life from the kind of person we once were as described in today’s passage. One of the fathers of our faith once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and only if necessary, use words.” People should see something in us that attracts them to Christ.

People who have not truly repented and turned from their sin to obediently follow Jesus are, in fact, headed for destruction. If I had not turned around to receive love and forgiveness in Christ, I surely would have ended up where I was headed – to Hell.

Nobody has to end up there. Let’s do everything we can to encourage them to turn around.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Ask the Father for courage and boldness to tell someone about Jesus today.

Dive Deeper: Study Philippians 3.