Thoughts for the Day

Shining as Lights in the World

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labour in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you— and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

This passage from Philippians, Chapter 2, with its heading "Shining as lights in the world" remind me vividly of words said at Anglican services in the past, when the offertory plate was presented to the congregation. The minister would say: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5.16). In the 1960's though, as I put my sixpence on the plate I would only think about my meagre response in terms of money rather than "good works".

But of course "shining as a light" refers to the way we live. Today’s world is frequently marked by negativity and division, and we are called to live in peace with one another, which as one theologian pointed out is "a radical counter-cultural practice". We may also feel this gives us a problem, about copying the humility of Jesus, while "shining as a light" or "star" in the world!

However, we should remember we can only try to do our best. Being "counter-culture" means we should refrain from being negative, or grumbling; choose to be more positive; go out of our way to quietly help others; as well as giving extra effort to any task that we undertake. Paul's letter to the Philippians calls us to live out our faith humbly and positively in obedience to God, allowing His light to shine through our actions and attitudes, and so drawing others to Him.

Lord Jesus Christ,
in a world that seems to have lost hope,
and longs for a light to follow,
guide us to live the life we profess,
and humbly and faithfully follow You,
so that others may see Your Light.
Amen.