“Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life.” (Philippians 2:15b-16a)
Paul authored this letter from prison. Scholars say that he was either in Rome or Ephesus during the writing of this letter. The date of its writing is unclear, although some speculate that its’ writing was done sometime between 55 and 61 A.D.. The letter was written to the Christians and their church leaders in Philippi (v.1).
The words above are meant to encourage them and the modern reader as well regarding letting your faith be evident to those around you. Especially in this day and age, this is no time to place the reason for your hope and joy under a bushel basket, thus hiding it from the world. It is something we ought to do with boldness in the face of the disrespect that has been and is still being shown to believers today.
The message Paul is speaking of is of course the message left to us by Jesus. It is a message of love and redemption. As a result, it is a message of hope. Forgiveness freely given; all we must do is receive it. It is God’s gift to us; a gift that gives us life. Without forgiveness we have no hope for the future. Without forgiveness we are walking dead men. The message the gospel brings to this dying world is one that shines forth with a brilliance so intense that those who know it not are blinded by it. They shy away from it because it lights up the deeds that they do revealing their true nature. Evil deeds are easy to spot by everyone except the one doing them. Their conscience has been seared over (1 Timothy 4:2). As believers we must be careful not to be swayed by this world. As we shine our redemptive light into this world, we must hold fast to its’ message or we may become entangled in sin that can so easily bind us (Hebrews 12:1).
God is our provider, sustainer, protector and guide. He accomplishes this through the Holy Spirit which resides within us. As we draw closer to God He will draw closer to us (James 4:8), thus making our light more intense. Let it shine for the whole world to see. Be proud of your faith for it is the means of salvation.
WALK WITH THE KING TODAY AND BE A BLESSING!
NOTE: “Philippi was the site of the first Christian mission in Europe. It resulted from Paul's response to “the Macedonian call” (Acts 16). The city, named after Philip of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, was located eight miles north of Neapolis, the port city. Philippi became a Roman colony in 42 B.C. It was a strategic city for the launching of Western Christianity.” [Asbury Bible Commentary]
