READ: Phil. 2:14-16: Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain
Whatever the Lord asks us to do, let us not do it reluctantly or with hesitation. Otherwise, we will not distinguish ourselves from the world around us, and we will not be sincere—our faith would only be an illusion.
But if we wholeheartedly follow the Lord’s will according to His Word, then we will shine as lights in a dark world. The world will have no reason to accuse us of wrongful behavior, but rather, it will be moved to seek the Lord and His Word.
Of course, this requires a pure and spotless heart that holds fast to the Word of life. To shine as lights means to have a living faith, one that aligns with God and brings glory to Him.
The world, by contrast, is dark because people turn away from God and allow sin to reign freely. Paul calls on the congregation to conduct themselves as children of God in this world.
The Lord Jesus made the same appeal in His Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:14-16): “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
With these words, we are also encouraged remain faithful to God’s Word so we are in our behaviour a readable letter of Christ … Paul sees it as a great personal privilege and joy if the church he has led to the Word remains faithful to it. Then, on the day of Christ, he will not stand ashamed.
What are the consequences of being a “light”?
Sing: Ps. 119:49