A Spectacle Of Glory #248

Read: Philippians 2:14-15

In today’s Scripture, Paul commands believers to “do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Seriously, Paul? Everything? Paul was writing to group of believers who were facing enormous hardships—and the temptation to murmur must have been great. But writing from jail himself, he wanted them to catch a bigger picture. He wanted the Christ followers to showcase the power of God to those lost in darkness. Nothing makes a scornful, cynical world sit up and take notice of God more than when it observes believers actually rejoicing in their hardships, without a hint of complaint. When we behave in this way, we “shine . . . like stars in the sky.” Think of how complaints or grumbling may have diminished your witness to those around you. You will shine like a star in a dark world today as you put behind you any murmurings, disparaging comments, or negative communication.

Lord Jesus, for the sake of Your gospel and the advancement of Your kingdom—for the sake of this unhappy, cynical, sometimes hopeless generation in which I live—please set a guard at my tongue today. Keep me from complaining. Keep me from speaking empty, disheartening words that really don’t help anybody. I want to shine for You today.