“The
modern habit of saying "This is my opinion, but I may be wrong" is
entirely irrational. If I say that it may be wrong, I say that is not my
opinion. The modern habit of saying "Every man has a different philosophy;
this is my philosophy and it suits me" – the habit of saying this is mere
weak-mindedness. A cosmic philosophy is not constructed to fit a man; a cosmic
philosophy is constructed to fit a cosmos. A man can no more possess a private
religion than he can possess a private sun and moon.” ― G.K. Chesterton:
(1874-1936: was an English writer, poet, and philosopher)
Scripture
Text: (PHIL 3:17—4:1)
Join with others in being imitators of
me, brothers and sisters,
and observe those who thus conduct
themselves
according to the model you have in us.
For many, as I have often told you
and now tell you even in tears,
conduct themselves as enemies of the
cross of Christ.
Their end is destruction.
Their God is their stomach;
their glory is in their “shame.”
Their minds are occupied with earthly
things.
But our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior,
the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will change our lowly body
to conform with his glorified Body
by the power that enables him also
to bring all things into subjection to
himself.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
whom I love and long for, my joy and
crown,
in this way stand firm in the Lord,
beloved.
“Our citizenship is in Heaven”. What
would our lives look like if we believed these words sincerely? Saint Paul is
exhorting the Philippians neither to place their faith in this world, nor to
use the things of this world for their own sake.
If our citizenship is in Heaven, then
the things of this world are means, rather than ends. What do we seek in this
life? What we seek are our ends. Do we seek things that are of this world? Or
is what we’re seeking of God? God gives us good things in this world to use as
stepping stones, to draw others, and to be drawn up into our true citizenship
in Heaven.
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