Philippians 2:15
“so that you will 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.”
That’s a cool description, “lights in the world”. Jesus said in John 8:12, ‘Therefore Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. The one following Me shall not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life”‘. We get it from Him. Like the moon reflects the suns light, so do we. It isn’t of us, but Him.
Jesus gives a a parallel example of dependance in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” We’ve all seen a broken branch. It may contain green leaves, but not for long. The life of the vine has been cut off.
A few verse later Jesus explains how to abide in Him, “If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” As we read the bible, He puts His Word in us. Just like the parable of the sower, the Word grows in our hearts.
As healthy dependent branches God’s life is in us. To further the vine example, it says, “we bear much fruit”. Which is the fruit of the Spirit, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control”. That fruit is the light that blesses others and draws them to Him.
We get blessed from that fruit. His joy and peace abide. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, surpassing all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We might being going through tough times and His peace will be there. It surpasses our understanding.
Matthew 5:15 says, “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but upon the lampstand, and it gives light to all those in the house.” How do we shine the light? Just speak it. Pepper our words with faith. Not with bragging, but with the things of our life. Rarely is it an “Ah ha” moment. It’s more a seed to be sown. Don’t worry about it. We can pray, but not every conversation closes the deal. Few do. Paul says in I Corinthians 3:6, “I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”
What a blessing to be a part of this. Psalms 103:14 says, “For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust”. Yet He uses us. We get blessed in the process. Not to mention we have a Father in heaven and a new family. Thank You, Lord.