Imitate Paul?

This week's reading from Paul's letter to the Philippians 3:17-4:1 presents the marked contrast between the enemies of the cross of Christ and believers in Jesus,

 "Brothers, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation so that it may be conformed to his glorious body, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved."

Paul first encourages us to imitate him. If we were to do that today, what do you think society would have to say to us? The world today would condemn Paul as a misogynistic, homophobic, right wing religious nut job. In some countries he would be charged with "hate speech" and threatened with jail time, which would be nothing new to him. The world appears to reject Paul, and it stands in marked contrast to his way of life. Are we prepare to stand firm in the Lord like he did? When we refuse to imitate him, are we not standing on the shifting sands of political correctness in opposition to Christ?

It does not pay in the long run to oppose Jesus. Follow Him and you will be transformed as Paul rightfully asserts.

If only the world would listen.