“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the universe, holding fast to the word of life…”Philippians 2:14-16(a)
It’s been one month since the big and much anticipated Heart Breakfast! I had the joy and privilege of speaking at this year’s gathering and I left you with this question: “If someone were to say of you, ‘She really shines in this way _____,’ what would you want to be said?”
That morning I said that Christians shine in their character, Christians shine in their conduct, and Christians shine distinctly by holding on to the Word of God and holding out the Word of God to others. This type of shining is different from shiny personality traits, or a shiny skill set or natural giftedness. It is not just being friendly or smiling sweetly. Shining for Christ is not just good works. Shining as a Christian is different than just spreading around “kindness like confetti” or all the other cultural catch-phrases of the given age. Non-Christians do all of these things—and often better than we do! What a contrast biblical Christian shining is from a non-Christian perspective of shining.
Shining for the Lord is what I am still wanting to reflect on in my own life and exhort you to do likewise. The Philippians were exhorted to not complain, grumble, argue or dispute—are you still thinking through those character attitudes/issues in your own life this past month? How you are to shine differently than those around you in your heart/character? Is your conduct that of a child of God lately: “blameless and innocent and without blemish”? Oh, please may it be so for all of us, Lord! May this be a further reflection—how deeply in our hearts we long to claim one thing, a living and thriving relationship with Jesus Christ, and in response, live that way fully.
So as a recap, I ask you, what is it that needs to be added to your Christian life so that you shine? What is it that needs to be put to death and done away with so that you shine? Where is there integrity in your character and conduct—and where is there not? Praise be to God for His immeasurable grace... that He calls us to shine for Him, and He equips us to do it. Lastly, remember what makes our SHINING distinctly Christian—the Word of Life! The Word of God is what this dark, dark world needs… not just our smile, friendliness, giftedness, love and resources (which are all good and helpful things by the way!). What this dark world needs is the message of Jesus Christ.
We have that message. We need to ANCHOR ourselves to it. We hold this message out to others from what the Scriptures teach (REACH OUT). And remember, the Word is not first and foremost a lifestyle or a manner of life—it is a message! We shine for Christ distinctly as Christians when we stand firmly on that message of good news to a “dark and crooked and twisted generation” (Phil. 2:15). What a stark contrast the Word will bring to the world!
So, how would you answer that question? “She really shines in this way________.” Shine, ladies, SHINE—to the glory of God alone! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share the Word with you and be your sister in Christ here at Hebron.
