Stephan Hoffman

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.  Philippians 2:12-18

God has been good to us. Jesus humbled himself and saved us, and the Holy Spirit helps us to bear witness to Christ's lordship.

Paul knows that the church in Philippi understands how much grace they have received. Now he makes an urgent appeal to them; because they are already saved, they must respond to God's grace. They need to work together with reverence and respect and act as God sees fit. They must not complain and argue, but rather, shine like a light in the darkness.

Paul refers to the believers who work together so positively as lights, or stars that shine. Wherever you are today, perhaps in a crooked world full of crooked lives, you can make a difference. You can also allow the wonderful light of God's presence and love to shine through you, cling to the Word and work together for God's glory. You can be a light or a star that shines and gives others hope and comfort, as you received hope and comfort from Christ.

This mindset and life leads to true joy. Paul says that on the day of Christ he will be proud and pleased if believers can work together to shine in the dark. For Paul, it would be like completing a race and winning a prize, for then his work would not have been in vain.

Today, let’s try to shine God's light and love for someone who may have been trapped in the darkness of this world. It won’t be in vain and surely you will also experience true joy, because God wants to use you to live as his child!

Prayer: Lord, I am so grateful for your love and grace in Jesus Christ. Thank you that I can now live as your child amid this broken world. Help me to shine your love like a light and to bring hope to others who are trapped in the darkness. Amen