In Philippians 3, after that marvelous section about continuing to press on, Paul outlines the attitudes of those he calls enemies of the cross of Christ. “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, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.” [vs 18-19 NLT]
The thought that halted me was that phrase “they think only about this life here on earth.” There are parts of this life on earth that are so gloriously wonderful to think about. Then there are parts that are complicated, confusing, and just plain evil.
To live only for the things of this life is so dissatisfying. It leaves us empty and wondering what will fill up that void in our hearts. We are filled with so many questions … most starting with that cry of pain “Why?”
“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.” [vs3:18-21 NLT]
I am so thankful that Paul reminded us that while we live on this planet, we have eternal citizenship elsewhere. And one day we shall dwell with the LORD who will bring everything under His control.
Those who love the LORD Christ Jesus have been promised a future and a place where there will never be the need to ask “Why?” again. I can only imagine.