Be a Star!

TODAY'S READING: Philippians 1, 2, 3, 4

SCRIPTURE: Phil. 2:14-16 (emphasis added)
¹⁴ Do everything without complaining or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe ¹⁶ as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

OBSERVATION: Do everything without complaining or arguing. WOW! That's a tall order. Complaining and arguing is "native language" to most of us. Actually, it is the language of our sin nature, and therefore, when we speak that language, we are participating in Satan's plans and kingdom. My husband said once that Satan inhabits his praises the same way that God inhabits the praises of his people. Could it be that when we complain and argue that we are inviting Satan's presence into our lives and situations with others? Yes, I think so. Paul tells us to stop this behavior so that we can become blameless and pure and without fault. Apparently, stopping complaining and arguing is a prerequisite to being able to maintain purity in a perverse world system.

APPLICATION: This is such simple and practical admonition. Like so much that is in the Bible, it is simple, but not easy. I need to really watch my thoughts and my words. I do not want to allow Satan a foothold into any part of my life, nor do I want to give him entry into my church or other social situations by engaging in negative complaining or arguing.

PRAYER: Father, keep me from negative speech! May I be one who brings your life wherever I go by how I speak and act. I want to be faultless in a crooked and perverse generation and to shine your light to others. May I be a star for you! Empower me to do that. In Jesus' Name, Amen.