Glow

Evening 12/11/2021

“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.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:14-16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Glow

I have to admit that it is becoming more and more apparent that it is a safe bet to expect the worst these days. Human beings around the globe have given themselves over to depravity, or so it seems, as inhumanity seems to be the standard for interpersonal behavior.

The news is full of people harming one another over simple things, and very often the violence is carried out in the light of day. There is an unabashed quality about it, almost as if it is all driven by pride in being able to do the most outlandish things in public.

With all the bad behavior, there is also a rise in complaining and disputing. It seems to have reached its zenith over the past two years, with the pandemic, the division through politics, and all the voices being raised for or against the various efforts to deal with it.

During that time, I have often heard those who call themselves Christians complaining the loudest, raising disputes over things that do nothing for the furtherance of the Gospel. All too often, the words chosen seem more fitting for the world. Jesus told us that are the light of the world. Instead of being lights, we have become just another bit of darkness, having little to no contrast from the rest of the world.

We are meant to stand out from the world, from those who do not know the Lord. We are to be those who glow brightly with the light of Christ. Part of that shining is to have the heart of Jesus, a heart that is humble, Even under the pressure of personal attack. No one could speak against Him for what He actually said or did. They had to lie, and get others to lie, as they lay charges. Even in that, He made no effort to dispute.

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.”
Isaiah 53:7 NKJV

When He did speak from the cross, they heard only this: “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.”
Luke 23:34 NKJV

As followers of Jesus, we stand in stark opposition to the world. We must resist that temptation to behave in kind, adding ours to the cacophony of angry voices that have effectively shouted down the Gospel. Brothers and sisters, let our message be constantly on point, sharing the Good News that Jesus went the cross for our sins, was buried and rose again.

In Him, all disputes are rendered moot, for in him all arguments cease and peace prevails. There is only one truth that matters.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 NKJV

Pray that the Lord help you to show yourselves blameless in these perilous days. May we be the lights that God intended us to be, glowing brightly in the darkness, showing the way to salvation in Jesus Christ.

““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.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV

Have a blessed evening, brothers and sisters!

https://www.allaboutgod.com/the-roman-road.htm