Shine Like Stars

"We will shine like stars in the universe...", is how the song by Matt Redman goes...

[This is the third part in a series on the book of Philippians.]

Philippians 2:12-16

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (v.12-13)

Paul is praising them for not just living righteously while he was there, but living for God even more so when he left.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life- in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." (v. 14-16)

This is the key verse where Paul challenges us to stop complaining and arguing and shine like the stars God wants us to be.  He calls us to stand out from the crowd in this "crooked and depraved generation" and shine God's life-giving light into this world.

When we look up into the night sky (most nights) we can see hundreds, if not THOUSANDS of stars.  Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that some of those stars are BILLIONS of miles away?  Those GIANT, magnificent, beautiful bright lights are brilliantly shining their light through billions, even trillions, of miles of darkness.  I'm sorry if that was kind of wordy, but how awesome is that!? God created those awesome, brilliant glowing masses so that we might gaze upon them and be drawn to worship him.

Likewise, God created us to be lights in this world which is filled with darkness, deceit and destruction (yes, I just used the pastor cliché of alteration).He wants us to shine brightly by living our lives in selfless, loving service of each other.  When you do this, you direct people the the source of your actions, Jesus Christ.  Just as the stars guided sailors in ancient times, so we must guide people today on the path to Christ.  Just as a lighthouse shines brightly into the night to guide those passing by away from danger, so we much be that strong tower looking out for people getting close to danger, and being that safe place to go when they crash on the rocks. 

What does it mean to you to "shine like a stars"? What are some ways we can do this in our everyday life?