JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Philippians 2, verses 14 and 15.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become 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.
The word of life is a remedy for grumbling and arguing, filling us with reminders of God’s love for us and moving our faith to shine for His glory.
Dwight Moody once said, “Remember, a small light will do a great deal when it is in a very dark place.” Our faith has opportunity to shine in dark places as we hold firmly to the word of life and hold out the word of life in our personal connections.
This Light Reflection inspires us to do everything without grumbling or arguing in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
September 27th, 2022
john
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is holding to the words of life.
By clinging to the words of life, we will be in a better place to promote a culture of life.
Philippians 2:14 to 16 says, “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.”
One thing we learn here is that a grumbling or argumentative spirit is not consistent with holding on to the word of life. These attitudes drain people around us. But the Gospel is life-giving.
This good news moves us to speak words of hope, encouragement, and truth. There is a word of life that shines brightly in times of darkness, and His name is Jesus.
Holding firmly to the word of life is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Philippians 2:14 gives us a direct word of instruction that will affect our relationships and our witness for God if we heed the message.
“Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Persistent complaining or an argumentative spirit saps the energy from relationships. The Israelites in Moses’ day were known for complaining about their plight on the way to the Promised Land, and they got nowhere fast. Complaints focus on the problem, without seeking a solution or without turning to prayer. A thankful person will recognize problems, but can also see opportunities through life’s challenges.
Paul, the writer of Philippians, knew that complaining or arguing undermined the strength of the church’s witness for Jesus. And so, he proceeds to explain why we should do everything without complaining or arguing-“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, as you hold out the word of life.”
With gratitude to God, we can chase away a complaining or arguing spirit, and shine the light of the Gospel to this generation.
The credible witness of a thankful person is a lesson of faith worth remembering.
