HEART REFLECTION

Philippians 2:14-16

Do all shings without complaining and disputing, that you my become blameles and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Philippians 2:14-16, NKJV

Our words reflect our hearts. The first step in combating a complaining attitude is to control what we allow our minds to focus on. This means taking every thought captive. The world is watching to see if what we say we believe is reflected in how we live our lives. Our purpose in the here and now is to reflect Christ to a world that is desperately searching for a Savior.

As we run this amazing race of life for God's glory, we have an opportunity to show the world the difference Christ makes in us through our love, actions, choices, and speech. This world will disappoint us, try to defeat us, and discourage us to no end. But we are not made for this world, and so our source of joy is not found here either.

When we view our earthy home as what it is, temporary, we are free to hold this world loosely, knowing heaven is coming. Instead of allowing complaints and arguments to waste our Heart Reflection time, may we choose to focus our minds on ways to be a light in this world to a generation who desperately needs Jesus.

Keep in mind what Paul has just been talking about. He urged the Philippians to adopt the mindset, attitude, and stance of Jesus, the one who gave up all for the sake of love, love for us. More than that, Paul urged them to accept God's invitation to be loved, renewed, and transformed. And now he's encouraging them to remember who they are, not children of the world without hope who run after acceptance by fitting in, by doing whatever everyone else is doing simply because everyone else is doing it. Rather, they are children of God.

And so he invites them to be different because they are different, adopted and blessed by God and intended to shine like stars by their willingness to share love when the world says hold back, to work for peace when the world urges war, and to seek reconciliation when the world wants to divide everyone into sides. Be different because we are different. Be different because you are God's beloved children. Be different to make me, Paul, proud. Be different because you might inspire others to be different too. Be different, finally, because you can.

Father thank You for this day and Your amazing grace that it holds. Lord, let Your abundant blessings be our family's portion today. Lord, we thank You for calling us to be a place of light in the dark world around us, and we pledge to shine Your light today in the lives of all. Lord, remind us of who we are: Your beloved and oh so different children, created in Your image and destined to shine like stars as we share Your love for the world. Lord, let our light shine bright and light a path to You to those who are lost in the darkness of this world.

Father, we love You. Amen.