A Cross-Shaped Life – March 21, 2025

Read: Philippians 3:17-4:1

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Philippians 4:1

A Cross-Shaped Life

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Paul made a bold statement: “Join with others in following my example.” They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so you copy those you admire most. Paul invites the people in Philippi (as well as us reading this devotion) to follow his example, but should he really be saying that? Don’t you think Paul remembered that he had blood on his hands? Before he believed in Jesus, he was a proud persecutor of the Church. He had hauled off who knows how many people to prison or even death simply for trusting in Christ as Lord. Then one day, the Lord Jesus knocked Paul off his donkey, changed his heart, and brought him to faith. That’s when the trouble really started. Now a tireless missionary spreading the gospel, Paul endured a shipwreck, beatings, persecution, and a constant thorn in his flesh—all so he could tell people about Jesus’ love.

We can learn a lot from Paul’s example because his story is our story, too. I’ve never been shipwrecked or beaten up for my faith. But Paul wasn’t the only one who needed Jesus to change him. Once, we were separated from God, stubborn and thinking we didn’t need him, until the Lord Jesus stepped in to save us. Jesus carried his cross (and all of your sin!) to Calvary where he followed God’s plan of salvation all the way to death. He didn’t try to escape the suffering, but with you on his heart, Jesus locked his eyes on a middle cross. While we were still his enemies, he forgave our sins, gave us faith in him, and then turned us loose into the world to share his love with others.

And just like it was for Paul, so it will be for us. There will be obstacles as we follow Jesus. There will be enemies of the gospel that try to stop us. Our lives will take on the shape of the cross. But don’t give up, because when we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can trust that even hard things will draw us closer to him. Even when life is difficult because we’re Christians, follow Paul’s example and remember—just like Jesus, we know there’s always resurrection on the other side of the cross.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you carried your cross to Calvary and died to pay for our sins. Thank you for rescuing us, even when we were your enemies. Thank you for the privilege of following you. Give us your strength to keep going, even when hardships come. Remind us of your great love and your promise that you work all things for good. In your name, we pray. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What did Paul want the Philippians (and us) to do?
• Who carried the cross to Calvary to take away our sins?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What hard things did Paul go through because he was telling people about Jesus?
• When Paul was tired or hurting, what helped him keep going? What helps us when we feel the same way?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How can tough times actually be good for us?
• How can we live like Paul and show Jesus’ love to others?