Today is Thursday, February 28th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2514

Our church currently has an adult Bible Study Wednesday evenings; for eleven weeks participants are looking at the book of Philippians. There are four chapters so we are discussing about a dozen verses each week.
 
Looking ahead to next week's topic, the group will talk about the last hunk of chapter two. The subheading in my Bible says "Shine like lights in a dark world!"
 
I think most everyone would agree that our world is looking a little 'dark' in lots of spots. But since the Bible was written several thousand years ago, there must have always been a certain amount of darkness going on.........forever!
 
Here are what a couple of verses say:
 
"In everything you do,
stay away from complaining and arguing,
so that no one can speak a word of blame against you.
You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God
in a dark world full of people who are crooked and stubborn.
Shine out among them like beacon lights,
holding out to them the Word of Life."
~ Philippians 2:14-16a (LB)
 
Bible Commentary:   Why are complaining and arguing so harmful? If all that people know about a church is that its members constantly argue, complain, and gossip, they get a false impression of the gospel. Belief in Christ should unite those who trust him. If our church is always complaining and arguing, it lacks the unifying power of Jesus Christ. Stop arguing with other Christians or complaining about conditions within the church and let the world see Christ.
 
Our lives should be characterized by purity, patience, and peacefulness, so that we will shine out 'like beacon lights'. A transformed life is an effective witness to the power of God's Word. Is your light shining brightly, or is it clouded by complaints and arguing? Be a clean, radiant light shining out for God.
 
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