55-Days Devotional Journey - Day 20
June 20, 2025 (Friday)

Scripture:
"Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their God is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
Philippians 3:17-21 (ESV)

Reflection:
In this passage, Paul used himself as an example of the mature Christian who centers on the future promises of Christ, rather than on present earthly pleasures. He asked the Philippians to "join in imitating him." In other words, the believers are to observe Paul as he imitates Christ and do likewise. In turn, we too can become role models for other believers. The church life can be seen as a relay race in which we pass the baton to the next generation of Christians.

Paul warned the true believers to avoid those "Christians" who lived in the flesh, who yield to the flesh rather than the Spirit. These so-called "Christians" who lived in the flesh may have syncretized Christianity with the culture of the day, and defended the culture as viable for believers. Paul described these fleshly "Christians" as "enemies of the cross of Christ" as evidenced by their walk or lifestyle.

Paul's answer to these "enemies of the cross of Christ" is the truth about heaven. We need to pursue Christ in light of the heavenly reality that awaits us. When we center on our future hope in Christ and the certain promise of the eternal glory awaiting us, the earthly things will fail to enslave us, and we will be able to live a life pleasing to God.

Reflection Question:
We are citizens of heaven, and our lives should reflect our eternal home. Reflect on how your earthly actions align with your heavenly calling. How can your life demonstrate that your citizenship is in heaven?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your living Word that this world is passing by, and that we are simply pilgrims and strangers living on this earth, and longing for a better, that is a heavenly country. May You constantly remind us the importance of focusing on heavenly realities, and not to yield to earthly pleasures. Help us to bear the fruit of the Spirit, especially the fruit of self-control, so that we live a contented life on this earth.

We pray all these in Jesus' name. Amen.

By Pastor James Lam