December 2, Enemies of the Cross

Today’s reading: Psalms 6-10

“In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord”
- Psalm 10:2-3.

David wrote with such elegance and flair, and his description of the wicked in Psalm 10 is no exception. He described their activities, and indicated that arrogance and pride were their motivators as they persecuted and tormented the righteous. David pointed out that pride distorted their priorities, for they blessed the greedy and reviled the Lord and His people. Unfortunately, it is possible for a believer to also have his or her values out of kilter, as Paul warned in Philippians 3:17-19:

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

Paul was not describing unbelievers in those verses, but indicating that there are some who actually walk as enemies of the cross because their priorities are misaligned. Are your priorities those of the world or of Christ? Don’t answer too quickly, but spend some time praying, asking God to show you if any of your priorities are indeed flawed or misdirected and listening for His response.