June 05, 2025
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Philippians 2:15–16
We need to model lives that are not like the majority. A positive attitude makes a major statement in our “crooked and perverse generation.” We don’t need to shout it out or make a super pious appearance; just don’t grumble or dispute.
Prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain. (Philippians 2:15–16 NASB)
We need to model lives that are not like the majority. A positive attitude makes a major statement in our “crooked and perverse generation.” We don’t need to shout it out or make a super pious appearance; just don’t grumble or dispute.
Paul goes further as he identifies four startling differences between those who know Christ and those who don’t. These four descriptive words make all the difference in the world. Unlike our unbelieving friends, we are to be:
- Blameless. This suggests a purity of life that is both undeniable and unhypocritical . . . free of defect.
- Innocent. This means unmixed and unadulterated . . . inexperienced in evil . . . untainted in motive . . . possessing integrity.
- Above reproach. This description is used of sacrificial lambs offered on altars and means free of blemish.
- Lights. Actually the term used here means “luminaries,” meaning we are to shine like stars surrounded by darkness.
In fact, Paul goes on to say that as we shine like stars, we are “holding fast the word of life.” Where did we pick up the mistaken idea of “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”? We are never called “little lights” in the Bible . . . we are stars. Bold, blazing, light-giving stars! This aching, hurting, confused world of lost humanity exists in dark rooms without light. Let it shine, fellow star! Why? Jesus answers that question in the sermon He delivered on the mountain:
Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 NASB)
No need to shout, scream, or make a scene. Just shine. Just live a life free of grumbling and disputing. The difference will jolt them awake. Furthermore, we will not live our lives “in vain.” And speaking of that, Paul declares that he “did not run in vain nor toil in vain.” What a claim to make as one begins to get up in years: No wasted effort!