Walking Like An Egyptian

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." Philippians 3:13-21

I saw a post on Facebook the other day. The words, "It's all Egypt" reminded me of Philippians 3. As born-again, children of God we have been given a new birth certificate and country of origin. But, like the people of Israel living in a foreign land, we too are living in Egypt. 

For some reason, we wrongly think that the country we live in should have a passion for aligning itself with our faith and the kingdom of God. But it does not. It represents a different culture -  a different way of thinking and doing. For the most part the culture's beliefs and practices are contrary to God's tenants and decrees. Whatever country a Christian lives in on this planet is, for all intents and purposes, Egypt.

Living in a land that is not our own, we see that there is some overlap. Some things that are consistent with what we know to be right and true. But there is much that is contrary to what we know to be right and true. Our challenge is in knowing the difference and not embracing those things.

What I am writing about is spiritual awareness and sole, undivided devotion to the One who sent His Son to redeem us. Don't accept a life that is comfortable as a substitute for one that is faithful. Don't confuse money in the bank with spiritual blessing. Don't compromise your faith and convince yourself that you must go along to get along. This world is not your home - you are just passing through.

"He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you." Romans 8:3-9

There was a song "Walk like an Egyptian" by the Bangles in 1986. My encouragement to you is that although that fact that we may live in "Egypt" is unavoidable until we join Jesus in Heaven, we don't have to walk like the people of Egypt do.

[We] are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in [us]. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone