Eagerly

Text: Philippians 3:17-21

Theme: Our citizenship is in heaven for which we should anticipate and live.

Key verses: “…pattern your lives after mine. For…there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite…and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior” (v. 17-20).

What God said to me: Dwayne, I’ve noticed of late that you’ve wavered some in your firm stance on what a Christian should be and do. It’s good that you don’t want to judge others and that you don’t only see in black and white. There are certainly many areas which are gray and not clearly right or wrong in my Word. However, there are several dictates and directives that are clear in the Bible and beyond dispute. When you see someone walking or acting outside those instructions and decrees, you should be wary of their motives and heart. Anyone who would follow me will willingly die to themselves and their personal preferences and notions. They will seek me with their heart and dig into my Word to find the truth. You are not doing yourself, them or the world any favors by ignoring or trying to justify their behavior. Paul saw only two kinds of God-followers–those who really did and those who pretended they did. On any given day, which are you, Dwayne? Examine yourself to be sure you are in the faith. And then live in such a way as to focus on heaven where your true citizenship is. This world and all that is in it is passing away. Only my Word and those who follow and obey it will last. Set your mind on things above, and don’t excuse or cater to those who don’t.

What I said to God: Thank You my Lord and Savior and God. You are holy and worthy of all worship today. You are the One we adore and need above all. Forgive me when my eyes look around instead of up, when my heart focuses on temporary pleasures rather than the eternal weight of glory. I choose to love and obey You today, to die to myself and my fancies. I choose to exalt You in front of those I meet who need to know of Your love and mercy. I choose to eagerly await the day I see You face to face in my true home beyond the skies.