Love 'em or Leave 'em

March 6

Read: Philippians 3

There are two references in Paul's epistles to people whose "god is their bellies". One of them is here in Philippians 3:19 and the other in Romans 16:18, where the Bible records, "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Neither reference is complimentary toward the parties being discussed. In Philippians, they are described as "enemies of the cross of Christ, having destruction as their end, who glory in their shame, and who mind earthly things."

It's not too hard to find contemporary parallels. Every church has their share of the unregenerate and carnal. They baffle born-again believers by their apparent obstinate refusal to allow the Word and the Spirit to make any impact on their lives. They may be in the church every time the door is open, but you really have to wonder why they bother. Every word our of their mouths, every attitude they evince is further evidence of selfishness and self-centeredness. Its not hard for anyone indwelt by the Spirit of God to see the very same things that Paul saw, that these are indeed the enemies of the cross of Christ, worshippers of their own bellies.

But if that's all we see here we have missed something important. Look at Paul's attitude. In verse 18 he says of these, "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping..." Although Paul was quick to warn the Philippian believers concerning these folks, he shed tears as he did it. Paul was grieved over the condition of these people, even though he recognized them as serious problems for true believers. He was saddened to the point of weeping. I can see him sobbing as he prays over them, asking God again and again how they could remain in this condition.

Beloved, is this our attitude toward those whose "god is their bellies"? Are we grieved by the hardness of their hearts and burdened because of their ultimate end? Are we lifting them up to God, pleading with Him to do a work in their hearts only He can do? Or are we harsh, hard and judgmental, having given them up to the enemy?

Jude 22-23 describes a special group of believers with these words, "And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." Let's determine we will be part of that group.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom