Upward Focus

"I have often told your before and now say 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 on earthly things." Philippians 3:18-19

Many believers sadly are living in opposition to the cross. Living a life in which many other things are competing for first place in their lives, the place Christ must be. These rebels are destined for destruction. Their appetites for food and lust and things ungodly have becme their god. Instead of responding with conviction and turning from wicked, evil or immoral ways, they glory blindly in what should be their shame. Instead of focusing on God's work, they are siding with earthly things and mesmerized or captivated by the temporal and tempestuous things of this world.

How then shall we live? God's Word is full of instruction. Here are a few examples...

Live as children of the light, reflecting or glowing with the love of Christ. 
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14

Carry out the Great Commission.
"Go into all the world and preach the Good News to all creation." Mark 16:15

Swim upstream, go against the grain. You are not to be like the world.
"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:19

Do not give in to and believe the world's lies. Renew your mind daily with the truth of God's Word so that you can know and do the will of God.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

In other words...

Light up your world.
Be kingdom focused.
Swim upstream.
Align yourself with God's will.

Father, help me to live in a way that is pleasing to You. In a way that reflects the love of Christ to those around me. Use me to lead others to You. Keep charting my course as I swim upstream and seek to know and do Your will in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.