“…among whom you shine like stars in the world.” (Philippians 2:15)
I’ve never been one to scroll through the news much. I get easily frustrated and cynical with the way things are, so instead of falling down that pit of despair, I just don’t give it much attention. Avoidance? Probably. And that’s not much of a better option than doom scrolling either.
Thankfully, we have a good role model for us in the Scriptures. Paul knew the darkness of the world, describing it as a “crooked and perverted generation,” yet he still faced it head on (Phil. 2:15). Instead of pretending like none of the corruption, suffering, or pain exists, Paul chose to spend his time focusing on God’s solution. Guess what it is? It’s you—His children! That’s what Paul writes, stating “that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation” (2:15). You are part of God’s answer to a depraved world. This all makes sense as disciples of Jesus. He is the One who came to redeem. And so, we follow the One who is reconciling the world to Himself, which means following in His footsteps of redemption.
So next time you start scrolling and feel your shoulders start to tighten from frustration, remember Philippians 2:15. This one verse describes our assignment as Christians, to “shine like stars in the world.”
This past Sunday, Pastor Matt shared a fantastic quote from Tony Evans, quoting “If you want a better world, composed of better nations, inhabited by better states, filled with better counties, made up of better cities, composed of better neighborhoods, illuminated by better churches, populated by better families, then you have to start by becoming a better person.” The change in the world you want to see begins with you. Child of God, you get to shine and make a difference one day, one act, one word, and one life at a time.