Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. Hold firmly to the message of life. ~ Philippians 2:14-15
The Apostle Paul writes elsewhere (2 Timothy 3:16) that “all Scripture is God-breathed and useful.” But I have to admit that in my own study time, the writing of Paul often gets to the bunt point that my heart needs hear that I might find myself, living out a life that is pleasing to God.
To the church and Philippi, Paul is encouraging every good work they are doing, reminding them of the great and wonderful humility of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and empowering them to be the church that fully represents the gospel and the teachings of Christ that lead to a blessed and perfect life as children of God. Not every church, nor every city or citizen is living into the identity of who they are as a child of God. Not every person has been saved by grace, and made a new creation. Yet, those to whom this letter is addressed are being reminded to hold firmly to this message of life and even if the people around them are crooked and corrupt, they are to shine like stars among them.
When we shine is when we allow the light of Christ to truly shine in and through us, when we, as God’s redeemed people walk in the light as He is in the light, and work in great cooperation and partnership to do everything for the benefit of the kingdom. However, I don’t always see eye-to-eye with every person, nor do we each always understand or even share the same viewpoint of those around us. The temptation is to revert to our human way of doing things; with complaining, grumbling, arguing, and even bullying. Truth is we get what Paul says, because we are still children in the faith, and need to be reminded that we are beloved children of God. As children of God, we have been made brand new, and called to be blameless and pure, or as Scripture puts it: “Be holy, as I [God] am holy.” Holiness comes when we imitate the one who is, and was, and always will be holy; we have been saved by His righteousness, to even become the righteousness of God.
Our life, the new life we have is Christ, is one dedicated to living each day for God. Perhaps we, can look for ways to shine a little brighter, and become a little holier as we uphold and grip tight to the message of life shared with us.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam