It is a tragedy that struck the people of Orlando this past weekend: a single individual, claiming to be part of a terrorist network, was so misguided and misaligned, that he murdered 50 people and attempted to murder more without any remorse, testifies how wicked and sick society has become. This wickedness and sickness cannot be and should not be received as the new normal. If we allow these types of tragedies, not just in Orlando, but also around the globe, to define our 21st century society, we have effectively given up all hope for our future. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi:
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… (Philippians 2:14-15 ESV)
Followers of Christ must “shine as lights in the world.” There is no doubt about it. We are the going to be the people all others look to when they need help and guidance, we need to be shining brightly so that they can find us. I am telling you that society is looking for people to shine as lights to the world. The 24 hour news cycle has given us enough information about the darkness pervading everywhere– we need to shine as lights. If you’re wondering how one person, one person, like you or me, with little influence on society as a whole can shine like a light, it’s simple. The Apostle Paul says, “do all things without grumbling or disputing….” He is not talking about complaining an arguing. He is talking about our disposition and attitude. Our disposition in life should be joyful and filled with the love of God. Our attitude should be collaborative and welcoming, like the grace of God. When we do these things in our respective walks of life, we will be blameless and innocent. We will shine as lights to the world stuck in a dark age.
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