"Two Patterns"

People can influence us in good and bad. We have seen it in our children when they play "dress up" imitating their parents or the little boy trying to walk in his dad's footsteps that seem so far apart. Teens get caught up in the glitz and glamour of some actress/actor or "musical star" or maybe an athlete. Adults are influenced by successful business people, those rich or powerful and read to find out what made them so successful or powerful. We can be influenced!

Paul urges us to join in and follow his example and the example others have set in the pattern of living for the Lord (Phil. 3:17). Timothy served Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:19-21). Epaphoroditus served the Lord (Phil. 2:25-30). This tells us that there are two different patterns that can influence us and we need to exercise great care in who or what is molding our lives. What are those patterns?

(1) There is a pattern (example) if we follow that will end up in destruction and those following this pattern are not even aware of what is coming upon them. That should open our eyes if we are spiritually sensitive! "For many walk..." (Phil. 3:18). Many...we are speaking about brothers and sisters in Christ! Paul's not addressing outsiders. There are many that the cross seems to make little impact on. It's just a story, something repeated but has little effect on their lives. Paul says "they are enemies of the cross." What makes them enemies of the One who bought them? Listen carefully "whose god is their appetite" (Phil. 3:19). They live by their own desires and it controls their thoughts and actions. Whatever they feel or want, that's what they go after. We see it often when someone is upset and they allow that to control them. That's their appetite! It is what leads people into wrong attitudes toward others or even depression. "Who glory is in their shame". Just listen to some of the things people in Christ glory about! They have no shame is speaking of how they took advantage of someone or broke a law and didn't get caught. Others have outburst toward another and justify that outburst. They feel good about it! That's glorying in their shame!! "Who set their mind on earthly things." This is where their thinking runs. They don't think in terms of serving Christ and what He expects. What does your mind dwell on through the day or in difficult situations? "Whose end is destruction." All the above is the wrong pattern and many are walking enemies of the cross and aren't even aware of where it is taking them! To many, this is normal for a Christian and what Christianity is about.

(2) There is a pattern (example) if we follow that will guarantee our ending in heaven. It is patterned after a citizen, living as a citizen of heaven. How many see themselves as citizens of heaven? If we see ourselves as true citizens, that will cause us to "eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Phil. 3:20) When we leave our children in the care of another, those children eagerly await your return because they are citizens of their home. This should influence our lives, our mind set, our desires and direction. If our citizenship is in heaven, then heaven should be in our home and lives! What is going to happen? We will be changed into His likeness by His power! It is going to happen and we should be living as if it is going to happen.

Who are you pattering your life after? What are your energies put toward? Remember, Paul warned there were many heading down the road that will end in destruction because they pattern their lives after those who walk this road...IN THE CHURCH! Maybe we need to ask, what do you influence in others?