Wednesday, 8^th February 2023

Andrews Ampomah

TOPIC: SHINE IN CHARACTER

THEME SCRIPTURE: Philippians 2:14-18

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Do you know that you are the light (or hope) of this world?
2. In what ways are you living as a light to the world?

In our theme scripture, we see a great emphasis on how the Christian is supposed to conduct himself or herself in the crooked generation we find ourselves. The emphasis on exhibiting genuine Christian character as the distinguishing mark of the Christian is upheld in these verses. Paul charges the Christian not to take action or complain in a bad-tempered way. This borders on human relations or the Christian’s behavior toward communal life. The Christian that lives this way is blameless and pure; society will not have any occasion against one who lives this way.

Brethren in Christ, our world is crooked with many discontent and aggressive behaviors. The more reason Paul calls the Christian not to succumb to the norms of this crooked generation but to live a life devoid of grumbling. It is safe to say here that Paul adopts an Old Testament emphasis to remind us of how grievous a sin it is to indulge in grumbling.

We recall how grumbling prevented the older generation of Israelites who left Egypt to enter the Promised Land.

We, as  Christians, are the beacon of hope for our communities. The crooked world around us needs credible standards or examples to follow and we have them. Paul here alludes to the fact that as long as we imitate Christ, we shine like stars in the sky. Glory to Jesus. Shining like stars is akin to being a city on a hill and a light to the world. There’s no way you can be hidden.

Brethren in Christ, it is needful that you are conscious of the magnitude of your responsibility to be an example to society. You are called to brighten the place you find yourself.

How are you going to do it?

Paul admonishes us to hold firmly to the word of life. It is the word of life that eventually takes hold of the Christian as he or she engages it consistently or feeds on it. It is that word of life that will keep us unstained and uncompromising in this dark world. This is the key.

Today is the day God has given us; we have to shine with our character. Whatever will come your way this day, you are revealing Jesus, in thoughts, words and actions. Living as examples and as shining stars in our dark world brings extreme joy to our Father in heaven.  Hallelujah!

FURTHER READING – Mathew 5:13-16

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Do you grumble sometimes at life's situations? How can you live above grumbling?
2. How well are you immersed in the word of life?

 

CONFESSION

I affirm this day that by the power of the Holy Spirit that enables me, I am avoiding grumbling. I am living a life of contentment all the days of my life. I pray God helps me to be a shining star and an example in our dark world in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Exodus 16; Psalm 70; Psalm 71; Mark 4