Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 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. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 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.

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.

Philippians 3:17-4:1

In this passage Paul calls on us to imitate him, to live life as a Christian and not live a selfish life devoted to acquiring earthly things. On the surface this seems like a simple task; as Christians we know that, as Paul says, “our citizenship is in heaven” but in practice this may not be so easy. We live in a rich and materialistic society that provides plenty of things to distract us.

A few years ago one of my co-workers got a new smart phone and as we all admired it, he said, “Whoever dies with the most toys wins!” We all laughed at this, because we knew he was joking. But, to be honest, sometimes it is easy to get lost in all amazing gadgets that can clutter our lives.

To be sure, there is nothing wrong with having a new car, or a smart phone or a home entertainment center, or going to concerts, or running in races, or taking part in any of the things our society offers. But if these earthly things come between us and our citizenship in heaven, we would be better off without them.

Dear Lord, thank you for the many material things you have provided for us. Help us to keep these in the proper context so that they do not distract us from the life You want us to lead. Amen.

February 22, 2016