Heavenward in Christ Jesus

Paul writes to the Philippians a good message. In chapter 3 he makes known that his confidence is not in his body or the law or any titles but that his confidence is in Christ. He also makes known his goal (the reason for his race) which is to get hold of his price for which God has called him heavenward.

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

He then urges readers to have the same view of things.

He urges that we should not put our confidence in our personal good works or acts of righteousness but that we should put confidence in Christ. Having also the righteousness that comes by faith in God.

Concerning righteousness some people have asked me why I teach that people especially women should dress modestly and embrace their natural beauty. Some have questioned this because according to them I’m teaching legalism (righteousness that comes from strict adherence to rules and laws). I want to address this and say that dressing modestly constitutes Holiness. And God requires us to be Holy just as He is Holy.

Peter said that Holy women of long ago did not dress themselves with braided hair, jewellery and expensive clothes but with gentleness and quietness. 1Peter 3:5 For this is the way Holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful….

For me personally it is about pleasing God and I have learnt that it pleases God that He should be glorified in my body as I follow the good example of Holy women in the past. The matter is even serious now that the Lord is calling for complete separation from the world. There must be a difference between Deborah and Delilah. A child of God should not look like those celebrities who do not have the fear of God.

Paul also urges that our focus should be the High Calling of God on our lives. He is saying in all we do we should be heaven focused and not earthly minded.

A child of God cannot afford to live as though the earth is their home. No!

Our citizenship is of heaven

Soon we will be home if we hold on to the truth and press toward the mark of the high calling. Do you know your calling?

Eternal Life is your calling

And as we live in this world waiting for our Saviour to call us home, we occupy until He comes.

This means we do not fold our hands and relax, No!

We continually activate the Grace given to us so that Christ is made manifest in our labour, conduct and speech.

And when He comes, we will receive gifts from Him for He is generous.

We should not copy or follow those who live as enemies of God. Enemies of God and the cross of Christ seek only to fill their stomachs, they glory in shameful things and their minds are on earthly things. Their destiny is destruction.

In these evil days people celebrate what is wrong and they trample on what is right. Many people seek riches without righteousness and holiness. Teachers teach only the blessings of God and make no mention of the wrath of God and His judgement.

But let only Christ be our confidence

Let only Christ be our boast

Let only our trust be in Christ

Till He comes may we run the race to get hold of the prize for which He is calling us heavenward. Amen!