SCRIPTURE: Philippians 2:12-18
As a Christ follower, the instructions for life given here are difficult, for we have all experienced the opposite. The church was instructed to work together and rid themselves of discord and divisions. My focus must be on Christ Jesus. By being a Christ follower, I too will shine brightly for Jesus. I must be a Light carrier. I must live in such a way that I do not become a stumbling block for my neighbour but rather a stepping stone so that I may be a living witness of my Saviour. My knowing needs to become my loving which needs to become my doing.
Lord help me to align my mind, my heart and my hands to do Your will always. Lord help me always to shine brightly for Jesus.
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me.
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
To shine like stars! This is the Lord’s will for us, that in the darkness and misery of a godless world, we would model a God-filled life, one of love and hope and humility and openness to learn and grow, to forgive and to service. How many of us as Christ-followers are guilty of complaining and arguing? Do we reflect a hopeful, cheerful, positive attitude? Do we make following Jesus look attractive? How many people have turned away from the message of life because they haven’t tasted life in us?
It is hard work to be a Christ-follower. The key is to maintain a close, personal relationship with the Lord, and then we can reflect His light. Like the moon, we do not generate the light, we only reflect the light of the Son.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to look towards You, so that I can reflect Your light, Your life. Help me to shine with humility, kindness, mercy, grace, forgiveness, servanthood, patience. Help me to be like You. Amen.
In these verses you get a sense of the ‘hard work’ in living out the Christian life. The philippians are being encouraged to work hard at learning how to behave/liveproperly. We also see that Paul worked hard to teach them when he was with them, to write encouragement when he was away from them and obviously to pray for them..He strives for them.
Sometimes I quit, I don’t want to work that hard, I want to do what I want to do… God please don’t let me lose sight of You, enable me to work hard in what You have called me to do.