Somebody recently introduced me to the term “ugly crying.” It used to be called sobbing or crying your eyes out. Either way, it is a result of profound sadness or distress. I’m good for one or two ugly cries a year. 2020 has brought about a few more. What would cause the Apostle Paul to cry freely? It would be something that he used to be—an enemy of the cross of Christ. When you see someone profess faith in Christ and then act counter to the cross, does it make you cry? What about when your actions don’t line up with your beliefs? What is scary in today’s verse is the number of people this applies to. Paul says “many,” which is an immense multitude. If your conduct does not show the love of Christ, you are His enemy. Think about that. Who is the last person you would want as an enemy? God! So, let’s walk in God’s grace and demonstrate our forgiveness by serving God and loving others unconditionally.
Philippians 3:18: “For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.”
#MinuteWithMaxon #MWM #Philippians
Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash
Scott Maxon 