Philippians 2:12-18
12 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, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 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, 16 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. 17 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. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Would you like to be "blameless and innocent"? That is what Paul suggests is possible for us in verse 15. One thing to notice in verse 15 is that this will also mean that we will become a light to those around us, as they will see the difference in us. Purity is different, and it will be noticed by those around us, which is a good thing as they need to see a healthy model of our sexuality. But note also the verse before this, where Paul commands us to "Do all things without grumbling or disputing" (verse 14). At first glance these may seem like disconnected thoughts, but actually our dissatisfaction with life often drives us to act inappropriately as we take a more self-centered view of getting what we want from life. So a content, grateful attitude can be an important step to purity.
Heavenly Father, thank you for Your many blessings. I pray that my attitude would reflect your holiness, and that I might become a light to the world around me.
12 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, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 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, 16 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. 17 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. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Would you like to be "blameless and innocent"? That is what Paul suggests is possible for us in verse 15. One thing to notice in verse 15 is that this will also mean that we will become a light to those around us, as they will see the difference in us. Purity is different, and it will be noticed by those around us, which is a good thing as they need to see a healthy model of our sexuality. But note also the verse before this, where Paul commands us to "Do all things without grumbling or disputing" (verse 14). At first glance these may seem like disconnected thoughts, but actually our dissatisfaction with life often drives us to act inappropriately as we take a more self-centered view of getting what we want from life. So a content, grateful attitude can be an important step to purity.
Heavenly Father, thank you for Your many blessings. I pray that my attitude would reflect your holiness, and that I might become a light to the world around me.