Philippians 3:17-21
Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20
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As National Day approaches, Daily Manna Together will focus on Scripture passages that invite us to reflect on nationhood and citizenship. As Christians, how do we live out our true identity as citizens of heaven?
Over the past 60 years, Singapore has grown from a small, resource-scarce nation into a thriving global city. This is by God’s grace and the result of our people’s collective hard work. As Christians living in this land, we enjoy religious freedom, access to education, and a high quality of life. Yet in the midst of growing prosperity, could it be that some of us have, without realising it, become those “whose god is their belly”?
Writing to a church situated in a wealthy society, Paul sounds a serious warning: “Many walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction” (v. 18–19). These individuals may call themselves Christians, even participate actively in the faith community, but their way of life is completely at odds with the way of the cross. What is most striking is Paul’s diagnosis: “Their god is their belly.” In other words, their focus is not on God but on the endless pursuit of personal desire.
“Belly” here does not refer only to food; it represents all kinds of worldly pursuits: comfort, success, financial security, and physical pleasure. When these become our highest priorities, the things we think about the most, they become our gods. We may still attend church, read Scripture, or serve in ministry, but if the desires of the world dominate our hearts, then the cross has been quietly pushed to the side.
In a wealthy and developed nation like Singapore, these temptations are especially real. Most of us don’t outright reject the Christian faith. Instead, we gradually reduce it to a background role. We may not openly deny the cross, but we’ve grown used to setting it aside when it no longer fits our lifestyle.
Paul calls us back to our true identity: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 20). That is who we really are. Citizens of heaven who don’t live for their bellies, but for Christ. Not seeking comfort above all things, but taking up the cross. Hope not fixed on this temporal life, but in the eternal kingdom to come.
Prosperity in itself is not a sin. God delights to bless His people with abundance. But if that blessing causes us to lose our hunger for God or our commitment to His kingdom, then we risk becoming those “whose god is their belly.”
Reflection:
Are we still faithfully carrying our cross and following in Christ’s footsteps? Or have we quietly let our “bellies” replace God’s rightful place in our hearts? How can we enjoy God’s blessings while still living simply, obediently, and with eternity in view?
Prayer:
Lord, You are the Giver of every good gift. Help me not to lose my way in times of blessing, and not to forget my heavenly identity while living on earth. May I not make my belly my god, but find my deepest satisfaction in You alone. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.
Click to read
As National Day approaches, Daily Manna Together will focus on Scripture passages that invite us to reflect on nationhood and citizenship. As Christians, how do we live out our true identity as citizens of heaven?
Over the past 60 years, Singapore has grown from a small, resource-scarce nation into a thriving global city. This is by God’s grace and the result of our people’s collective hard work. As Christians living in this land, we enjoy religious freedom, access to education, and a high quality of life. Yet in the midst of growing prosperity, could it be that some of us have, without realising it, become those “whose god is their belly”?
Writing to a church situated in a wealthy society, Paul sounds a serious warning: “Many walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction” (v. 18–19). These individuals may call themselves Christians, even participate actively in the faith community, but their way of life is completely at odds with the way of the cross. What is most striking is Paul’s diagnosis: “Their god is their belly.” In other words, their focus is not on God but on the endless pursuit of personal desire.
“Belly” here does not refer only to food; it represents all kinds of worldly pursuits: comfort, success, financial security, and physical pleasure. When these become our highest priorities, the things we think about the most, they become our gods. We may still attend church, read Scripture, or serve in ministry, but if the desires of the world dominate our hearts, then the cross has been quietly pushed to the side.
In a wealthy and developed nation like Singapore, these temptations are especially real. Most of us don’t outright reject the Christian faith. Instead, we gradually reduce it to a background role. We may not openly deny the cross, but we’ve grown used to setting it aside when it no longer fits our lifestyle.
Paul calls us back to our true identity: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 20). That is who we really are. Citizens of heaven who don’t live for their bellies, but for Christ. Not seeking comfort above all things, but taking up the cross. Hope not fixed on this temporal life, but in the eternal kingdom to come.
Prosperity in itself is not a sin. God delights to bless His people with abundance. But if that blessing causes us to lose our hunger for God or our commitment to His kingdom, then we risk becoming those “whose god is their belly.”
Reflection:
Are we still faithfully carrying our cross and following in Christ’s footsteps? Or have we quietly let our “bellies” replace God’s rightful place in our hearts? How can we enjoy God’s blessings while still living simply, obediently, and with eternity in view?
Prayer:
Lord, You are the Giver of every good gift. Help me not to lose my way in times of blessing, and not to forget my heavenly identity while living on earth. May I not make my belly my god, but find my deepest satisfaction in You alone. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.