Evildoers, the past, and destruction.

Let's go back and check out some more about Philippians. The first thing that struck me was verse 2.

Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.

I'm sure that Paul wants us to make sure that we are testing everything that we hear. We should NEVER take a word from a Pastor, televangelist, or friend without testing it against scripture. We have to be aware of wolves in sheep clothing. There are many of them out there. A lot of them that can use scripture and twist it. Just be very careful when you are trying to figure out what you believe when there are so many out there twisting the word of God. Which we can find in Matthew 7:15 for reference.

Something that we can find joy in is what Paul says in Verse 7-9. 

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain christ and be found in him. 

(Yes there is more to that portion of scripture.)

We don't look at things like the world does. Paul considered everything that was a gain to him a loss for the sake of Christ. Of course it might not seem like that right now or from where you are sitting. Consider all the things Paul had been through and where he was at that moment. How could he STILL say that everything was a loss for the sake of Christ? Well, if I could walk with Christ like Paul did, I would probably say the same thing. Every possession would be meaningless if I could spend time walking side by side with Jesus. In the flesh. 

Paul also tells us in verse 13 that we should forget the former things and not to swell on the things of the past. Which I think is awesome. So often we focus on our screw ups when God has forgotten them. We constantly, or those around us, keep 'bringing up our crimes.' (Sorry had to reference Scientology) The word tells us that we shouldn't do that. 

What hit me the strongest was verse 18 and 19. 

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

Paul still has a heart for those who are enemies of the cross. Another version says weeping. Could you imagine being so overwhelmed with emotion for people who are lost that you cried? Have you ever been there before? Paul gives us a lot to think about in this portion of scripture. I think he does that ALL the time though. Anyway, have a wonderful night!