Heaven’s Citizen’s Values – Philippians 3 (NIV)
Heaven’s Citizen’s Values – Philippians 3 (NIV)
Verses 17-21
Paul knows how to pack some power into only a few sentences. He knows he’s not perfect but he also knows he’s a good example of a Christian. We should follow that example.
But the part of him talking about those bound for destruction: their glory is in their shame. Wow. Their mind is set on earthly things. Of course, in contrast we are told to set our minds on the things above (Colossians 3:2 but also in the next chapter here).
For non-believers, they set their minds on earthly things. They ironically boast in things that are ultimately worthless and meaningless. It’s like bragging about super heavy boots at a swim meet. The older I get, the easier it is to spot and feel sorry for a bully. That same logic crosses a lot of boundaries.
At the end of life, the things that we acquire and boast about will cry out against us and stand as witness to where our heart was. It makes it all the more sad to see people striving to condemn their own heart with such passion.
We are citizens of heaven. We can look forward to the true weighing in of life. This is only the pre-party and it’s easy to get distracted about what’s important.
It reminds me of Mardi Gras and Halloween and such events where things are given away. Conferences and conventions have swag. At the time, it is so exciting to get the free stuff. Then when you’re back in reality, you just feel bad throwing it away because it never had any real value.
Heaven values different things than earth. Faith, hope and love are precious and priceless. When we value things of earth, we tell the world where our heart is. Not that we can have and enjoy those things – they are to be enjoyed. But valuing things is different and it’s important to know the difference.
* Paul’s Prayer
* All Good
* Worthy Conduct
* Humble like Christ for Others
* Anger Hurts Unity
* Paul’s Two Friends
* Garbage and Suffering
* Press On
* Heaven’s Citizen’s Values