Shine Like the Stars in the Darkness

"For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and arguing, 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."
(Philippians 2:13-15)

Is it possible to do ALL things without complaining and arguing? That's a tough one.

My husband has named "my other personality" Trudy Lou. Trudy Lou is not nearly as accommodating as Nan. She tends to be a little bit moody. She lacks on the gracious side and has very strong opinions. Sometimes I wonder if Trudy Lou is the part of me that has not surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Verse 15 tells us that we are living in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation and that we are to "shine like lights in the world." The New International Version of the Bible reads, that we are to "shine like stars in the universe."

Can you picture this? Our life is not our own once we have declared Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. No matter what happens to us, we are to "conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27). We are to shine like the stars in the darkness around us. We carry Jesus (through His indwelling Holy Spirit) everywhere with us. We are His representatives. His ambassadors to the world.

How quickly we forget this.

I don't want you to focus on the negative here - the "don't complain or argue." I want you to concentrate on the glorious statement, "shine like the stars in the universe." Because, if I'm shining, then the arguing and complaining will take care of itself.

That makes my heart happy; that gives me a goal to work towards that will glorify my Heavenly Father. "For it is GOD who works in you..."

We only need to LET Him work in us.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

It's all about Him.

Father, I fall so short when it comes to murmuring and complaining. Please forgive me. I want to be Your Light in the darkness. I want my life and my Light to draw people to You. Thank You for that privilege, Lord. Write it on my heart, speak it gently to my spirit as I go about my daily routine. Be glorified in my life, Lord.