In Philippians 3, Paul writes to the church that there are those who are enemies of the cross. One identifying mark he gives for these individuals is that “they set their minds on earthly things” (Phil. 3:19). So it begs the question: are you an enemy of the cross? Am I?

In Colossians 3, Paul says, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” These verses in Philippians 3 and Colossians 3 have one big theme in common: above = Christ, earthly = enemy of Christ.

So how can we know if we’re enemies of the cross of Christ? How can we know if our minds are set on earthly things, or if our minds are in the right place — focused on Jesus?

If you keep reading in Colossians 3, Paul/the Holy Spirit gives us some clarification. In verse 5, Paul writes that those who have their mind set on Jesus won’t participate in fornication (engaging in any form of sexual acts outside of the God-approved marriage bed), uncleanness, passion, evil desire (see Romans 1:26-32), and covetousness. It seems from these verses (as well as a host of others in the New Testament) that if you’re practicing any of these things, you are not being pleasing to God, but rather fall in the category of one who is an enemy of the cross.

However, it isn’t simply sexual sins that make you an enemy of the cross. In Colossians 3:8-9, Paul writes that “anger, malice, blasphemy, filthy language, and lying” are also in direct opposition to what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Instead, these things show that we are still living life as the ‘old man’ – the earthly, carnal man.

So those are the negatives. If any of these things characterize your life, it’s an indicator that your life may be more earth-centered and less Christ-centered. Fortunately, while there is still today, you have time to repent. You have time to change your mind…to set it on heavenly things. To think on things that are “true, lovely, and of good report” (Phil. 4:8). You aren’t stuck being earthly-minded. You don’t have to stay an enemy of the cross.

The truth is, all of us, at one point in time, have been enemies of the cross of Jesus. We have all done something (or lots of somethings as is the case for me) that sent Jesus to the cross. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Thankfully, though, God did send Jesus to the cross, even while we were still enemies, so that we could have a way of escape.

So if you want to stop being an enemy of the cross – if you want to stop living for the world and start living for Jesus – just do what Paul said in Col. 3:12- 17. Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness and long-suffering. Bear with your fellow man and forgive him as Christ forgave you. Put on love. Let the word of Christ dwell in you. And, whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The easiest way to identify yourself as an enemy of the cross is to let the world set up shop in your heart. Don’t let that be said of you. Instead, fill your heart with the word of Jesus, and may your life be obedient to His every command.