The Letter to the Philippians is written to a group of believers with whom Paul founded a church, during his second missionary journey in approximately AD 49. Philippi was a Roman colony, with believers consisting primarily of Gentiles. In chapter 2, Paul emphasizes believers as lights in a world of darkness. The contrast between light and darkness is a common scriptural theme. Light uncovers truth and provides comfort and safety. Darkness is dangerous, insecure, and hides the truth.
Paul writes in verse 12, “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Do everything without complaining and arguing. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless” (Philippians 2:12-16).
Show the results of our salvation. In other words, actions speak louder than words. There should be some visible evidence of our regeneration. Shine like bright lights. I get that. Jesus said to us (believers), “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).
The one that’s a little hard to hear is “Do everything without complaining and arguing.” We do like to complain. We all know someone we never ask, “So, how are you?” because we’re afraid they’ll answer. I’m not immune to it. When I am asked, “How are you?” I feel almost obligated to mention all the lousy things that have happened to me so far that day. A hundred things could have gone right but all I tell you is those things that went wrong. Why is that? It has to be my sinful nature.
The truth is God showers us all with blessings each and every day. “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:23). I’ve come to believe that His blessings are so numerous and commonplace that we take them for granted. They have become a part of the wallpaper. We don’t even see them anymore.
It’s not easy to battle against our sinful nature. Paul admitted as much, “I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway” (Romans 7:18-19). But we need to try. We are lights. Actually, I think of us as mirrors reflecting Christ’s light into the darkness of this world. If people see you and me – Christians – moaning, groaning, and complaining, why would they be in the least interested in Christ themselves? He doesn’t seem to have made a difference in our lives.
David writes in Psalm 103:2, “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” That’s what we need to do. Yes, it takes a change of attitude, discipline, and willpower, but we have to start. I have made a habit of whenever I am asked, “How are you?” I answer, “Blessed!” Because I am and so are you.
—————————————————–
Remember you can email praise reports and prayer requests to southchurchprayer@gmail.com. I lift them up every Wednesday at 4:00 pm on Facebook Live.