Thoughts From Philippians 3 - Part 3

 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. Phil. 3:15-17

       I was recently watching an episode of Dutton Ranch, a spinoff of Yellowstone, where the son gets in trouble for beating up someone while defending someone else and when he's confronted by his dad he tells his dad, "That's what you do". His dad answers, "How many times have I told you to do as I say, not as I do?" I'm sure you've heard the warnings in church, "Keep your eyes focused on Christ not other Christians. Christians will always let you down." Paul is giving different advice here. Paul is telling them to follow his example and others who live like Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus do.

      Is there anyone you know who you feel safe in following their example? Could people follow your life and be safe? As a parent I can't say do as I say, not as I do, because kids won't listen to that or respect it. They think if you do it, why shouldn't they? Behavior is like entropy, it always goes toward disorder rather than order. It always goes toward how bad can I be, not how good can I be - that's the sin nature. We need to model righteous behavior and have people see the good that comes from it.

       Paul adds that we don't model and do good deeds to get to God, but rather we live up to what we have already attained. In other words, because Christ washed away your sins and regenerated you, or made you a new person, you have the Holy Spirit living inside you and God sees you as good or righteous. You don't have to attain "goodness", you are already "good". Now just live it, don't live a lie.

      There are so many hypocrites out there that it's hard to know who to model your life after besides Christ. I think that's why the warnings to follow Christ not Christians. My question to you is are you going to be the kind of Christian that people could safely follow or are you going to be a broken down one? Be the one!