Bright Lights

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:14–15 (NLT)

As I write today, millions eagerly anticipate the upcoming solar eclipse. The bright light of the sun will be momentarily dimmed or obscured. The sun is usually the brightest light in our sky, illuminating the natural world. Specific cultural or entertainment centers are reputed to be bright lights. People seeking celebrity or popularity gravitate to places where the light shines the brightest.

It is challenging to go through a day without hearing news and gossip about those that this world considers to be stars. The world is fascinated to hear about the activities of celebrities, actors, politicians, and sports figures. Some of these stars only get their “15 minutes of fame,” while others may endure a little longer, but eventually, most fade away, forgotten in history.

Amid all of the so-called bright lights of the world, Paul urges us to shine like bright lights in a world darkened by sin and despair.

An Example of Humility

One of the beautiful things about our Savior is that he is not a “do as I say, not as I do” redeemer and deliverer; instead, he is our perfect example. By subjecting himself and submitting himself to the plan and purposes of God, he demonstrated humility.

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion. Philippians 2:5-8 (The Message)

It should encourage us when we think about what Jesus did for us. One notable lesson we can learn from Jesus is that he could look beyond the present circumstances and even beyond present suffering to a goal and an objective. Jesus is the most remarkable example of someone who looked beyond his own cares to the outcome he was to achieve.

Blameless And Pure

After explaining how God is working in us to accomplish his purposes, Paul tells us to live our lives according to a high standard. It doesn’t sound like there is any room for complaining or arguing, does it? Additionally, after reading many translations and consulting other sources, it is difficult to escape the conclusion that not complaining and arguing is a prerequisite to becoming blameless and pure.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Ephesians 5:1 (NLT)

One of the hidden dangers in compromising our standards with the idea of trying to better relate to a world lost in sin is that if they don’t see any difference between how we live our lives and how they live their lives, what will the attraction be? But our calling is to be like Jesus, that is, to be pure and holy before him. If we sincerely desire to be like Jesus, we will have a far greater impact on our world than we could by imitating the world to gain acceptance. We also want to be blameless and pure because of the hope that we will see him face-to-face.

Then and Now

For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Ephesians 5:8–9 (NLT)

We remember the song we sang as children: “This Little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine… Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m going to let it shine.” Our light does not come from ourselves but from God. However, we must choose to let it shine. Paul is saying to us: live what is in you. In doing so, we reflect the light of our Lord and Savior. It will make a difference.

Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. Daniel 12:3 (NLT)

At one time, we were full of darkness and had nothing worthwhile to give to this world. As we let our light shine, we serve as a lighthouse that guides people to the Savior. Evil is exposed when we shine our light because light makes everything visible.

Bright Lights

Jesus calls us to be shining stars in a crooked and perverse generation. We are to be Bright lights that make a difference everywhere we go. Some in this world may bask in the bright light of fame and fortune for a fleeting moment, but our light is of an eternal nature and source. The light that we have has the power to change the world.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)

Please remember that God calls us to be Bright lights and that we are to be like shining stars not to receive the glory but rather so that people can see that there is a God in heaven who loves them and a Savior who died to set them free.

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT)

As pastors and leaders, there is nothing more thrilling than to see people living for God and accomplishing the purposes of the gospel wherever they are. Shine like bright lights! It is better than a total solar eclipse!

Steve Ekeroth

 

Photo by Eugene Triguba on Unsplash