Mislaied Treasures

 

Philippians 3:17-19

It is a wise person who listens when the Scripture tells us something more than once, that is the case of Paul telling us to, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)   He also states the same thing in Philippians 3:17, and then he tells us about enemies of the Cross of Christ.  These are Paul’s words; “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19)

What does the enemies of the Cross of Christ have to look forward to; destruction, that’s it!  I believe the Bible is clear when it says that is total separation from God the Father.  They will spend eternity in a place called hell, and it’s designed not for men, but the devil and his demons.  Many are choosing hell; have they no knowledge that this life is a vapor, and that they will live a life of torment for eternity?

Jesus warned us, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6: 19-21)

We who are known by Christ, and are His, have the ability to set our minds on whatever we choose.  “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things, which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.  - Colossians 3:1-4

  But the enemies of the cross have set their minds on earthly things, and not necessarily bad things.  They put family, friends, boats, house, businesses, sex, pleasure, food, and the list can go on an on, before any desire to know Christ.   Folks, an enemy of the Cross of Christ is, anyone who puts anything above knowing Christ.  And that person can be very religious, a preacher, deacon, teacher, or the pillar of the community, but they put self before God.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice