Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

When you were younger, who did you want to grow up to be? Many of us have admired famous people, but were there people in your own life who modeled behaviors and lifestyles you wanted to emulate? Several people who come to my mind were in my family - my grandmother and mother taught me about faithfulness in prayer. My father taught me about courage in the midst of adversity. Others were brief encounters but yet changed the way I looked at life. One guy had the kind of confidence that didn't draw attention to himself but rather gave it to others. One woman taught me about finding joy in life. A kindergartener taught me about Scooby Doo and not taking life so seriously.

And of course, there will always be Mr. Rogers, who teaches me constantly. Someone just shared an amazing quote from him: "I feel so strongly that the deep and simple is far more essential than shallow and complex." I want to be a Presbyterian pastor like him when I grow up!

This Sunday, we are looking at the second half of Philippians 3. Paul continues his conversation about what matters, in light of the defining story of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Paul encourages the people of Philippi to follow his example, as he follows Christ. He contrasts his example with those of the world: "Their destiny is destruction, their God is their stomach, and their glory is their shame" (Phil 3:19). While these people focus on success, power, and consumption based on earthly standards, Paul reminds us that "our citizenship is in heaven." Our models for behavior should not come from earth-bound people but from heaven-bound people. Paul encourages us to stand firm on the promise that we are citizens of heaven. That is the direction our compass needs to point.

When I lived in Austria, I realized just how much Americans stand out when they are in a different country. I worked hard to blend in (no white sneakers, bright colors, or loud talking!). One time I toured a castle and stopped at the gift shop to buy a guide. And the clerk instantly spoke to me in English. I looked up, surprised, and asked her what gave me away. She pointed out that I had bought a guidebook in English. Of course!

Our natural tendency is to want to blend into the culture where we live. More and more, though, our heavenly citizenship is calling us to a different lifestyle, world view, and attitude than the world around us. It is critical that we fix our eyes and Jesus and also seek others who do the same.

If you have people in your life filling that role, consider dropping them a note to say thank you. And at the same time, think about those for whom you can be a model and encouragement. You may just change someone's life forever!

Many blessings,
Pastor Carolyn