“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” -‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:14-15‬ ‭

The apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Philippi. He contrasts the life of a believer with the lives of those in the world. Unsaved people complain and find fault, but followers of Christ rejoice instead of grumbling. Society around us is “twisted and distorted,” but the Christian stands straight because he lives his life by God’s Word.

Paul is also highlighting here about the impact believers can have in a world that is running contrary to their life and faith. When followers of Christ imitate Christ’s humility and face life with the joyful spirit (not with grumbling), they are so like the children of God and it is impossible for them not to impact the world around them.

The original recipients of these words, the believers in Philippi Indeed followed these words well in their lives which impacted their city significantly. Philippi was a town of not more than 15 thousand people at that time. The believers were small in numbers and probably meeting in houses in a few small groups.

But in the next few centuries, 4 to 5 Churches were built, with one of them as large as the size of the entire marketplace in the city. In a town of not more than 15 thousand people, this was quite an impact. What started in Paul’s day as a small number of people in 2-3 houses became literally thousands of people and a citywide movement.

Indeed the Philippians shined for Christ and impacted their city. They held firmly the word of life (which is the gospel) and lived their lives well among the crooked generation. The same applies to us in our workplaces too. When a small group of believers take the gospel seriously and shine it through their lives where they are placed, the impact can become a citywide movement. Don’t you Long for that to be true?

Say NO to grumbling this week, but yes to rejoicing in the Lord and you will Shine for Christ!!

Blessed week!
Joseph, PROFIT Singapore