PHILIPPIANS cross" whom Paul mentions are those who are passive and even disrespectful concerning eternal truths. The non-Christian is always an enemy of the cross and the Gospel message as well. The ulti mate end of that unbeliever is de struction. His path does not lead to peace or happiness. There is only misery, discontentment, un rest and eventual permanent sep aration from God. We have a new standard of con duct since believing in the Lord. We are no longer motivated by our own selfish appetites of the flesh. There is never a desire to take pride in things of which we really ought to be ashamed. You see, our life values have been re versed. How sad to see America so preoccupied with sex, sin and self. The nation seems committed to a materialism that can only bring eventual downfall. Honesty is in creasingly a novelty, chastity is de spised, and personal integrity is often ignored. Paul is calling us from this unbelieving walk to live for Jesus Christ to the fullest. This is what it means to be converted and born again. Such a person's eyes are on eternity. This is where reality can be found. If you and I are to walk as believers we must begin with this primary reversal of our own standards, accepting the perfect standards of life from God. This is where the believer must stand if he is going to do the work of God in the proper manner and with the correct motives. When a person accepts Jesus Christ as Saviour, through faith, he receives a new set of values by which he can pattern his daily exis tence. Paul urges his friends in Philippi, "Brethren, be followers Page 44
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