Shine as lights!

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may 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…”  Philippians 2:14-15

The computer is refusing to work.  It has decided only to print every other document that is sent to it.  The boss is rumbling around like a champagne bottle that has been shaken a bit, and the lady waiting to be helped at the desk is beginning to turn an interesting shade of red. Her voice is getting louder and higher pitched by the moment. 

Right now, I have a choice.  What I want to do is grumble under my breath (loud enough for everybody to hear, of course) something about being the only one to do any work around here.  What I would love to do is to pick my computer up and heave it out the window.   I would also love to tell my champagne bottle boss to put a cork in it.  I could do any of those things, and most people would tell me that I was justified.  I was just reacting under stress as any normal person would.  But that wouldn’t change the fact that I have a personal witness as a Christian in the workplace, one that could easily be damaged by any of the above actions. 

Paul is suggesting that if we simply conduct ourselves without grumbling or disputing, we will show ourselves to be blameless, above reproach, and we will shine as stars or lights in the midst of our generation.  That’s all.  Just don’t complain.  Don’t grumble or argue.  Seems simple enough, yet we know that controlling our tongue is no easy matter.  For many of us in fact, it’s one of the hardest parts of living the Christian life.  Prayer is a part of everyday life.  Worship is a joy.  I hunger for God’s word.  But my tongue seems to get the best of me far too often.

As I go through my day, Lord, help me shine.  Point out every time I grumble and whine about where You have put me or what You are asking me to do.  Let me be a light in the midst of a perverse generation.

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!

      Zacharias was old.  He has faithfully served the Lord as a priest for most of his life. Because his wife Elizabeth had been unable to bear a child, the temple had been where he had poured his energy and passion.  But things were about to change. 

            The angel Gabriel, who stands in the very presence of God, had been sent to speak to him. He had told Zacharias that the time was ready for the coming of Messiah, and that Elizabeth would have a baby who would prepare the hearts of the people to receive Him.

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; to give His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.”  Luke 1:76-77

            Zacharias was standing in the temple of the Most High God, before the altar, talking with an angel.  You’d think this would be proof enough that this would really happen.  But Zacharias and Elizabeth are old, and Zacharias had a hard time believing that this can be possible.  Because of his disbelief, and perhaps as proof of the truth of the prophecy, Zacharias is struck dumb until the baby is born and named.  After the birth of John, Zacharias’ tongue is loosed, and the first words out of his mouth are praise to God, and then a prophecy of what was about to come;

            “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people…”

            About the baby, John, Zacharias was very specific; this baby would grow up to prepare the way and the hearts of the people for Messiah.  He would give the people knowledge of salvation by forgiveness of their sins.  John preached repentance.  By the time Jesus began His ministry John had shown them their sinfulness and need for a savior.

            This is our job, today.  With the advent of Christmas we have a unique opportunity to prepare the way of the Lord.  While Jesus has already come, for some the only time He enters their consciousness is at Christmas through TV specials and carols on the radio.  For them, Jesus is coming.  We need to prepare the way, to help them understand their sinfulness, their need for redemption, and the gift of grace.  While we know that the Holy Spirit is the one who convicts of sin and draws men to salvation, we are to be ready with an answer for the hope that we own and live.  At Christmas we have an open opportunity, unlike any other time of year, to share faith.  We need to live the difference salvation makes. 

May hope, peace and grace ever be on my lips and visible in my life.