Transcript:

Hello this is Pastor Don of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective.

What do you do when you walk into a dark room? Do you stumble around complaining about the lack of light? No. You walk into the room and turn on the light. And if the light’s not working you grab a flashlight. The only way to deal with darkness is light.

The same is true spiritually. It’s often tempting for Christians to sit back and complain about the “darkness of the big bad world”. It is likewise tempting for Christians to avoid engaging in society when we feel that the spiritual or moral darkness is too grim.

However, Jesus told us that we, His people, are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). When we find darkness, we are not to complain or avoid it. Rather, we are to move into it with the light of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes, this involves exposing the darkness. Paul tells the church in Ephesus: “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11)

At other times, it involves our good works and gracious attitude. We are not to hide our light but rather let it “light shine before others, so that they may see [our] good works and give glory to [our] Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

But being the light never means sitting back and complaining about how dark it is. Rather, as Paul reminds the Philippian church, we are to: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that [we] may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom [we] shine as lights in the world….” (Philippians 2:14-15 ESV).

Don’t grumble; shine! Light is always more glorious in the dark. And the darker the darkness, the brighter the light.

Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.”

~ Philippians 2:12-18 (ESV)