Proper 21: Epistle, Philippians 2:1-4, 14-18                            

Philippians 2:1-4, 14-18

Oh, those Pauline exhortations. Those heaven-sent instructions on living in the world. Empowered as we are by the Holy Spirit, God’s Christians (as Luther tagged us) still gaze longingly on what we should be, what we are called to be, and not where we still find ourselves in the day-to-day. It is a glorious thing to receive God’s full forgiveness of sins and to hear it declared weekly in worship. By the way, if you don’t hear the clear gospel of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for your sins every week, find a place where you will. The gospel is for the Christian every bit as much as it is for the lost ones. 

Back to exhortation. It is the power of the gospel that causes the heart to yearn for obedience, to hear from the Master the “well done, good and faithful servant.” Paul says that when we live forgiveness-empowered lives (see 2:1-4), gazing on Christ and serving one another we will “shine as lights in the world.” Oh, for the day when our thoughts and actions will perfectly be in accord with the will of the Lord. But while we walk in a light still somewhat dimmed by our weakness, Paul assures us that we still shine. The world is so very dark. Just a spark from the face of Christ in and through His people brings light, powerful and compelling. So Christian, shine!