Monday October 25

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. Philippians 2:14-16 NKJV

Lights in a Dark World

Complaining or grumbling is foreign to the true character of a servant. He must accept with prompt obedience the will of his master, for it is the master, not the servant, who is the judge of what is suitable. We, as children of God, are living our lives among a crooked and perverse generation, but we are to shine here as lights in this world. Our effect on others is of great importance, and nothing becomes more harmful to our testimony than a complaining spirit. In our verse, complaining and disputing are put in contrast to being blameless and harmless.

All believers are sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus, but now we are exhorted to act accordingly—to show to those around us that we are children of God without fault. We are to rightly represent the character of Him whose sons we are. This is even more important in view of the contrary character of the crooked and perverse generation among whom we live. This is precisely where we are to shine as lights in the world. A light is intended to be in sharpest contrast to the surrounding darkness.

Besides simply shining, the believer must be prepared to carry the battle into the enemy’s stronghold. Holding fast the word of life is a noble privilege that is consistent with the dignity of being children of God. This is not merely attacking evil, but it is overcoming evil with good by the presentation of the pure, positive word of life. This alone will accomplish results for God. Let us be deeply filled with the precious, living Word of God, for only this will enable us to faithfully represent our Lord in a world that is contrary to Him.

L. M. Grant