Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. – Phl 3:17 ESV
The most important second of our lives is actually the second after we die. Hebrews 9:27 says “it is appointed for man to die once, and after this the judgment.” When we close our eyes to this life, we will open them before the living God. At that moment of our existence we will ei- ther be welcomed into His kingdom or separated from him forever. We are all followers. We are either following the prince of this world or the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
So what is one way we can prepare for the most important second in our lives? Paul says in Phil 3:17 to follow godly, Christ-centered examples. Surround ourselves with those who are running hard after Christ and follow them. They are headed to Christ, while everyone else is headed to destruction (v19).
Who are these Christ-hungry people? How do we identify them? First, Phil. 3:8 says, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” We need to look for those who are willing to let go and have let go of any and everything that comes between them and Christ – and follow. Second, Phil 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” We need to look for those who have oriented their entire lives around the coming meeting with Christ – and follow.
We follow them because they are headed to Christ (v20)!
Weekly Reflection
Our walk identifies us as either enemies of the cross or those who await our Savior’s return!