Read Philippians 3:17-4:1. Paul says that “their destiny is destruction” (v 19). We all know people who live that way. You know the ones, those folks who are all wrapped up in destructive addictive or sexual behaviors that lead to disease or family fallout, or job loss, or DWI, or jail time, or at the very least, depression.
God is not some killjoy that wants to ruin your party. He’s the opposite. And if we live according to God’s pattern for life, we’ll enjoy real peace and freedom, not the fake-me-out illusion the internet offers. This is proven true in my life time and time and time again—I am much happier in life when I’m making right choices. We need to learn to hate and jettison anything that robs our peace and freedom.
Take sex for instance. God invented sex! But sex outside the context of commitment typically leads to awkward feelings and a mangled de-humanizing view of others. But within the context of commitment (marriage), sex is the most sacred expression of trust. We all want one person—just one—one that we don’t want to share with anyone else—one that we can trust with the most vulnerable area of life and that’s why we’re jealous by nature.
Paul’s “their god is their stomach” (v 19) is a rhetorical illustration. There is nothing wrong with enjoying food and drink in wise moderation. But to make consumption some kind of god… doesn’t that seem a bit shallow? The very first commandment is “You shall have no other gods before me.” God can get jealous just like you. Why? There’s this crazy little thing called love. It’s right and natural for Lisa to not want me messin’ ‘round. She would be right to be an out-of-control jealous psycho-chick were that the case. It wouldn’t be love otherwise. Just as Lisa would be right to say, “You shall have no other girls before me,” God says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Doesn’t this just make perfect sense?
Ever met someone whose “glory is in his shame” (v 19)? It’s like that guy at the office who brags about all the chicks he’s had sex with or how much he drank last night. Woo. Doesn’t a little something inside you feel sorry for that guy? You can see how hard he’s trying, and you can see how empty he seems to be coming up every time. There is no true glory in shameful things. True glory is borne out of sacrifice and commitment. All our true heroes have the right stuff of sacrifice and commitment.
At the end of the day, there are two paths and two destinations: One is heading for construction; the other is heading for destruction. What’s it going to be for you—holiness and happiness, or sleaziness and sadness? The secret of satisfaction is the good life of continuing to cultivate a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s what will bring us happiness, freedom and peace. Anything else is a lie.