“Shine Like A Star In A Crooked And Depraved Generation!”

“Shine Like A Star In A Crooked And Depraved Generation!”
The story is told of a missionary who was supervising work among the Christians. When he got tired and wanted to go and rest, he removed his eye glasses and placed it strategically and told the people that his eyes were still there to watch them as they worked. The people kept working, each person struggling to position self where the eye glasses would see him. This gives the impression of not trusting that the people could do it in his absence just as much as they did in his presence. Everything depends on trust.
Paul had absolute trust in the Philippian Christians as far as their obedience was concerned. Obedience in service should not only be in the presence of the boss, but much more in his absence. This is even more so when the work you are engaged in is to your benefit.
“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Obedience in the service of God is to “do everything without complaining or grumbling, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe…”
It is the joy of any humble teacher to see that his students excel in life. And a teacher who expects his students to work without complaining and arguing should instruct on what is not questionable. For instance, if a minister asks his flock to eat grass for food, it is questionable. Also if the followers choose to follow the instructions – no matter how bad – they should do so without complaining and arguing. The question is, “Is eating grass desirable for salvation?” Blind faith is generated by not discerning truth because you are asked to “do everything without complaining and arguing…”
Truly we live in a crooked and depraved generation, but to shine like stars in the universe we must have discerning minds to be able to know the teachers who offer the undiluted message of the gospel. Messengers of the gospel even when they leave a place rejoice to know that their labours were not in vain(Phi.2:12-18).
When it is from God we must not complain or argue for it is God doing it for us, and in us. He himself causes us to do it with fear and trembling. Obedience to the word and works of God is what singles us out in a crooked and depraved generation! Be the light in a crooked and depraved generation!
Sunday prayer: Holy Spirit lead me to continue to work out my salvation with fear and trembling. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!