“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” – Philippians 2:14-15
When the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians he was not sitting on a beach, soaking in the sun, and enjoying the sound of the waves. His situation was very serious as he was suffering a great deal.
Paul was experiencing a tremendous number of excruciating circumstances as he was chained inside a Roman prison. However, as Paul wrote his letter to the saints situated in Philippi, joy is the overarching essence that undergirds his writing.
In the four chapters of Philippians, the concept of rejoicing or joy appears sixteen times. This reveals one of the major themes of the book, and that is although the Philippians are in the midst of a “crooked and twisted generation,” a wicked culture, they can rejoice as true joy does not come from one’s circumstances, but rather comes from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s instructions to the Philippians are needed guidance for the American Christian today. Although our culture continues to grow more crooked and twisted, as believers we are to have joy in Christ as He is King, and He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Furthermore, Paul not only leaves the Philippians, and us, with the call to rejoice, but he also states that we are to “shine as lights in the world.” We are to be illuminating lights in this dark culture by shining the truths of God’s Word in our state and nation. Let us resolve to do all we can in Frankfort through public policy, and in our culture in general, to shine God’s truth throughout our world.
LET US PRAY…
Father, may we be filled with joy in Christ, and shine brightly for Him in our culture. Lord, help us to not be passive and complacent as the culture becomes more crooked and twisted. Father, help us, to have immense courage in our effort to make Kentucky a state that honors You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
