[311 words]
“Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19 ESV).
The apostle Paul tells us that we are to seek thing that are above (Col. 3 :1-2) so that we will focus on things that are to he a priority. Life is more than eating and drinking. God will take care of those needs if we will seek His Kingdom first (Matt- 6:25-33).
In Philippians 3:19 Paul said if our focus is only on earthly things your belly is your god, worshiping your body and focusing on only what you can eat, drink and touch.
This statement would have immediately got the attention of the Philippians because their city was not a part of the Roman Empire—it was a Roman colony. That meant they enjoyed Roman citizenship, which was a really big deal. They weren‘t like their neighboring cities in the region of Macedonia who were not citizens of the empire. What it meant to the citizens of Philippi is that although they had never set foot in Rome they were under its protection and its privileges. Though they were far from Rome their names were recorded and it was technically their home.
That’s why the statement of Paul in the verses following verse 19 are so profound.
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself” (Philippians 3:20-21).
If you belong to Christ you may live here, but heaven is your home. You are just passing through. Your time here. is like a layover. Your current status is “resident alien.”
You don’t belong here!
Edwin Myers
Velvet Ridge church of Christ
Velvet Ridge, AR