Philippians 2:14-16
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
The stars always shine, but we see them better at night.
We are called to conform our behavior to Christ's commands wherever we are and whatever we are doing (1 Cor. 10:31, Matt. 28:18-20). But our behavior shines brightest when everyone else is rebellion. The contrast only draws attention to our shining conduct. But like the stars, let us burn bright for Him who sees us in broad daylight. Let us not only show up and show off at night. Let us labor to light up anywhere, all the time.
1 Peter 4:3-5
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
Stars are strange as far as the heavens are considered. The night sky is dark with rare exceptions. But those exceptions shine all the brighter for the backdrop in which they are placed.
Isaiah 60:1-3
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
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