Shine Like Stars

Posted on January 3, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

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 (Philippians 2:14-15, NKJV).
Who doesn’t want to shine?! Think about any discipline, venture, goal, hobby, relationship, or opportunity that one pursues. Don’t we want to do and be our best in any given area – especially as Christians who are living for and unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23)? And what sphere of life is more vital for one to “shine” in than one’s witness and testimony for Christ? What Christian doesn’t want to be “blameless,” “harmless,” and “without fault” in terms of one’s actual behavior? (Thank our Heavenly Father that as Christians we already possess perfect records positionally because of what Christ has done for us!)
So how do we radiate, as God’s children, like beckoning, bright, brilliant stars? Stars don’t set out to shine, per se, they just, by nature, do what God has made for them to do. Philippians 2:14-15 in essence tells us that the key to God’s children shining is to live life in a contented, peace-loving, faith-filled, and God-praising manner that is sure to shine luminously- especially in the midst of this current day and age in which we live. And when we know God’s nature and promises and have His Spirit empowering us, submission and surrender are both positively viewed and willfully executed.
I don’t know about you, but I am excited that God picks where we live and when (Acts 17:26), that He has good works planned for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), and that He enables us to do them (Philippians 4:13). It is His fervent desire that we radiate faith, breathe hope, live, love, and exude joy so that God can be honored in and through our lives as we bless others in His Name.
What greater honor and privilege is there than to live for the King of Glory in this day, time, and location which He has chosen for us? My prayer for us all is that we will do that increasingly as the darker the night, the brighter the light – so shine on!
Melissa
Melissa Smith is the Women of Character Coordinator at America’s Keswick. She has the privilege and honor of ministering to the colony men’s wives and girlfriends, the Barbara’s Place women, and some women from the community who God brings to America’s Keswick for help or care. She and Bill, her husband of 18 years, have four adopted children ages 17 to 24. Her fervent desire is to point women to Christ and His sufficiency, provision, and promises.