Philippians 3:17—4:1
17 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
“… 18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; …”
For Paul, the enemies of the cross of Christ were those whose focus was on the successes, wealth, and glories of this life. Rather than give themselves over in faith to the Lord, their trust was in what they could accomplish themselves and what they could accumulate in terms of material goods. For them, whoever they trampled over along the way was simply collateral damage.
This is not the way of the cross. “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me,” Jesus tells us. “I came not to be served but to serve,” he says elsewhere. Jesus came, suffered, died, and rose again to show the world a better way. Loving one’s enemies, caring for least and lowly, raising up the downtrodden, and working for justice and peace are the hallmarks of those who follow the way of the cross of Christ. Those who do the opposite, Paul says, are enemies of the Lord.
It’s easy to get caught up in what the world says is important. It’s easy to lose our focus on the cross and instead grab onto the glitter and glories that the world offers. It’s easy to walk in the way society says is best- accumulating more and more, seeking success at all cost, stepping on others to get ahead – all while ignoring the words of our Lord. It’s easy to become an enemy of the cross of Christ.
Therefore, Paul reminds us that our focus must always be on the Lord – His words, His ways, what He says, what He does, and who He represents. Rather than enemies, we are to be friends of Jesus and bearers of the cross of Christ in the world.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have called us and made us Your own. Teach me Your words and Your ways that I may live, not as an enemy, but as a bearer of Your cross in the world. Amen.