Light in Philippi

The Philippian church of Christ was discouraged when Paul wrote his letter to them.  They were being taught different things by different teachers, and each of these had differing motives for teaching.  They were troubled because Paul was in prison, and it seemed as if God has abandoned Paul.  As discouragement darkened their eyes of faith, they began to grow tired, grumpy, and temptation to disobey became powerful.  Read part of Paul’s prescription to them here:  

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed (not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence) work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;
So that:
You’ll 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, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I’ll have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
Philippians 2:12-16

Now ask yourself how this may apply to your own life.  Do you appear as a light in the world because you never grumble or complain?  Are you “above reproach” in your behavior?  Are you working out your salvation with fear? 

If not, don’t be surprised if you are struggling with your attitude, your behavior, or having disputes with fellow disciples. 

Remember that being a light in the world means you will be different.  The world is dark, and those who blend in and go unnoticed are also dark, not light.  In this context it means you’re blameless & innocent, you refuse to grumble or dispute, and it means that you are holding fast the word of life. 

If you feel despondent and need a shot of joy to fuel your journey, maybe you need to make this passage real in your life.