To Walk as Enemies of the Cross of Christ

“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.” Phil. 3:17-19.

Here we read about examples worthy of being followed by the church—so he must mean believers. Paul had often spoken with them about the sad fact that many of the believers walked as enemies of the cross. Today it is the same or even worse. It is not the knowledge that Christ was crucified for us that is being opposed. However, many are enemies of the cross of Christ when it comes to its work of crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires. This includes, among other things, the desire for all kinds of delicious food and drink for the belly and the desire for earthly things in general.

If a person wants to live for himself, he quite naturally becomes an enemy of the cross, because the purpose of the cross is to crucify our self-life. The Scriptures admonish us to live with contentment and moderation; they also teach us that luxury and pride are not of God; and if we love the world and the things that are in the world, the love of the Father is not in us. 1 John 2:15. All desire for the things of this earth is to be put to death on the cross. If a person does not want to let all this go, but wants to satisfy his belly instead at every opportunity and is in bondage to delicious foods; if he seeks after everything that is great, elegant, and splendid in this world, and after everything that has a good appearance; then he is quite naturally an enemy of the cross of Christ, because the cross is the sentence of death over all such things.

We can take a completely different example: If a man dominates an assembly, for instance, and wishes to continue to do so, then he is obviously an enemy of the word that says one should not lord it over the flock and that whoever wants to be the greatest should be servant of all. He is an enemy of the cross that will destroy that lording spirit.

People see fancy foods, social status, and being the one in control as things that are desirable. That is the problem! May the eyes of many be opened in these days that they might see how pathetically insignificant all this is, and at the same time see that godliness with contentment is great gain! 1 Tim. 6:6-11.