The Apostle Paul tells us that we, as followers of our risen Lord, ought to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Another popular English translation of that verse tells us that we ought to shine like stars! And, in perhaps even a more familiar passage (Matthew 5:16), Jesus reminds us to let our light shine!
When we lived out in SoCal, we were consistently amazed by how just a slight change of elevation could completely transform everything in view. We would hop on State Route 73 (known to the north as the Corona del Mar Freeway), immediately leaving behind all traffic congestion in the O.C., and in just a couple of minutes be so far removed from the urban lights that the stars above seemed nearly touchable. From that new perspective, every hilltop vista was exquisitely beautiful, and we never grew tired of those “ooh” and “aah” moments around every bend.
It seems to me that the Scriptures are calling us to take on a new perspective, in Christ. Paul connects our practical “shining” with our call to humility. It is not about us. God has graced us with the gift of salvation, so we love Him and others in response. We are the grateful recipients, and so we simply share the love that we have received. Specifically, Paul reminds us not to grumble and complain. I know that you and I sometimes attempt to minimize the sin of grumbling, but I don’t think the Bible supports our flimsy excuses. Grumbling is a mockery of the sovereign provision of God. And our ungrateful attitude can draw others into the same sin. It’s dangerously contagious.
The apostle describes the world in which we live as “a crooked and twisted generation.” That’s a mouthful of warning, and a powerful reminder to us of our call to live in sharp contrast to the pervasive culture and ideology. Thus, the shining. The backdrop of spiritual darkness sets the stage for our lives to really count, and to count for eternity.
Paul places this new perspective under the umbrella of our “working out our own salvation with fear and trembling.” Notice that we’re not working for our salvation. That would be legalism, which is deadly. But we’re working out our salvation. A life of humble sacrifice is our heartfelt response to the great love which has been lavished upon us in Christ. We’re reminded that it’s the “good pleasure” of God which is motivating us to, and empowering us for, faithful living.
As you read this today, I don’t know what you’re up against. But I do know that God’s desire is that you rejoice in both good times and bad. That reality in Christ is your unique privilege, because you are His. You are the apple of His eye. You are His beloved. You are His distinct light in this dark world. So you and I must rise above the fray and give Him praise.
Jesus tells us why all of this matters, and it’s because He desires that many others come under the influence of the light that emanates from you and me … “that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Shine!
Pastor Charles
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