14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so 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 16as you hold out[c] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2 14-17
We are living in increasingly challenging times.
As a natural optimist I tend to balk even at that statement, but it is obvious (even to me) that it is undeniably true. The challenge for Christians is how we deal with it. Currently the national pass-time seems to be progressing on two miserable fronts. Spending half our time looking for someone to blame and the other half in a state of, self-induced, panic.
I’ve just embarked on a study of ‘eschatology’ (the doctrine of the end times) and guess what? Jesus wins!!!
This might seem to some a dreadfully simplistic statement, and so it may be. It is also undeniably ‘the truth’ and a magnificently healthy perspective. I perspective Paul expects the Philippians to have.
As Christians we have been given ‘the word of life’ to hold out to a panicking world. The gospel in it’s brilliance, simplicity and power changes everything. We need to live, truly, in the light of the gospel. Letting it’s light illuminate our thoughts and decisions, temper our conversations and rule our emotions.
The counter to Paul’s entreaty not to complain or argue is found in verse 18
Be glad and rejoice with me
This will mark us out from the crowd, in and of it’s self is hugely attractive. It glorifies God and makes people happy.