Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ

This morning’s Our Daily Bread devotion referenced Philippians 3:17-21. I was struck by the words “with tears” as Paul describes those who are enemies of the cross of Christ.

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. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…

Yesterday I thought a lot about worship through music, especially about being part of a team that leads others in worship. As I read this passage my heart is heavy for those that don’t know Christ, for those who can’t join in worshipping with all their heart because they are living lives far from God.

As a follower of Christ we are privileged, we are adopted into the royal family. I’ve seen many who wear that title with pride or who declare themselves saved without any inward or outward change. I hope that we would learn from Paul’s example and see the world through tears, not tears of pity, but tears of true sadness for the lost, the lonely, the broken-hearted. Tears for those who have set their minds on earthly things. Is this making sense?

Lord help us to lead well, to boldly accept the role as ambassadors of Christ. At the same time remind us to be humble, to be meek and yet not weak. Give us discernment to see the world through your eyes and the wisdom to say the right thing at the right time to the right person so they will see you clearly. I can’t help but believe if we were able to do this our churches would be filled with those seeking the redemptive power of Christ and we would have many confessing Christ and being baptized! I dream about a baptism service that takes longer than a football game!