Examining My Way

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.  They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

—Philippians 3:18-19 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

Throughout every day, in every moment, may I examine the way I conduct myself in life here on earth—that I might not be found to be an enemy of the cross of Christ.

I don’t want to be that guy who having been given the opportunity to embrace everything that the cross of Christ has purchased for him, foolishly and thoughtlessly turns down a path that brings sure destruction to his joy, his peace, his purpose and even his very life.

I don’t want to be that guy who allows his appetite for the deceitful pleasures of this world to rule over him—who makes the desires of his flesh an idol, serving his own will, seeking to satisfy his lust for more by chasing after his own plans and only submitting himself to his own desires, making them the object of his worship.

I don’t want to be that guy who, being so deceived, brags about his sin, as if it were not sin at all—or the one who admits there is sin in his life, but makes light of the sin, as if it were not a stench in the nostrils of a Holy God.

I don’t want to be that guy whose thoughts are consumed with the pursuit of the ultimately empty and unsatisfying things of this life—who misses the fullness of life that was purchased for him and freely offered to him that he might simply receive it.

I want to be that guy who carefully considers his way, chooses to submit his will to Yours, resists temptation and flees from sin, and seeks with his whole heart a life hidden in Christ.

Throughout every day, in every moment, may I examine the way I conduct myself in life here on earth—that I might not be found to be an enemy of the cross of Christ.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.