Christ's light

Have you every heard the expression that when someone lights up a room when they walk in? The idea is that simply by being present, someone can change the atmosphere and attitude among a gathering of people.

In Philippians 2:12-18, Paul goes from the passage describing Christ’s mindset (Philippians 2:1-11) to a call for us to shine our light in the world…

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

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. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Paul says that we should act in order to fulfill God’s good purpose. What is that purpose? To bring about the salvation of all Creation. God is working in the world to renew and restore the world. This is what the Kingdom of God is all about, restoring God’s reign in the world.

You and I are invited to be a part of something much bigger than any of us individually. We are called to shine like stars in a world often engulfed by darkness. That means we have to live differently.

And as Paul reminds us, we will do that when we firmly hold to the word of life. Christ is not just an example, he is an anchor. He is the one that taught us how to live through his words and his behavior.

So often, in the middle of a tragedy or crisis I hear people ask, “Where is God?” While that is a valid question, often the answer can be found in you or me.

Darkness is not the presence of anything. It is the absence of light. When you and I bring light into the midst of darkness, God will be there. Darkness will vanish when light walks into the room.

The next time you think, “Where is God?” You should look into the mirror and ask God how to help you shine. It is in that moment that you can be the answer to that question, and in a small but significant way, bring about God’s ongoing work or salvation in the world.

 

shine!
Jason