hold

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

Philippians 2:14-15 ESV

If we hold this world loosely, we can grab God’s Word firmly. 

Our mission from the Lord is to “shine as lights.” Jesus told his disciples that He was the light of the world (Jn 8:12). He also said, “you are the light of the world” (Mt 5:14). God has called us to live differently than the world around us. Instead of chasing money, achievement and pleasure, we pursue Christ. He is our standard and greatest treasure.

Therefore, let us resist the temptation to grumble and dispute with one another so that our lives become a sweet fragrance to the Lord. When we uncompromisingly follow Christ, our actions show people a better way. His truth is our anchor amidst the chaos of culture. It is a lamp to our feet and light to our path counseling us in the way we should go (Ps 119:105). The Lord wants us to continue growing in holiness, and while we won’t be perfect we can put off old habits that damage our witness for Christ. As we put off these habits, we become a bright testimony to others (1 Pet 3:16).

In his book, Don’t Waste Your Life, John Piper writes, ‘We were made to live with a single minded, all embracing, all transforming passion to glorify God by enjoying and displaying his supreme excellence in all spheres of life.' When we keep the main thing, the main thing, Christ will remain at the center of our lives. And when Christ is at the center of our lives we will serve him and others with joy. 

additional reading:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 7:6, 28:9
New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

reflect:

All around us people are preaching relative truth, how can you hold fast to the word of life? How bright is the light of your testimony? When are you most tempted to complain and how can you replace this with gratitude today?

centering prayer

LORD, thank you for Jesus. My joy is not in this world, but in the kingdom to come.