Shine Like Stars
by Liz Griffin
How can we shine as lights in the spiritual darkness of the world today? The apostle Paul said it`s by not complaining or disputing. And, in the beginning of Philippians Chapter 2, he also says it`s about being humble like Jesus and serving others.
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Philippians 2:3-4, NLT).
In reading Philippians Chapter 2, I was reminded about a message about shining like stars which was given to Daniel.
“Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase” (Daniel 12:3-4).
So, another way we can shine in the darkness is to be wise and turn many people to righteousness. Then we will shine like the stars forever.
I like the words of a song by Matt Redman called `Shine`.
“We will shine like stars in the universe, Holding out Your truth in the darkest place. We'll be living for Your glory. All our days Jesus we'll be living for Your glory. We will burn so bright with Your praise O God and declare Your light to this broken world. We`ll be living for Your glory, Jesus we'll be living for Your glory.”
It is perhaps much easier to behave like most of the people around us in the world today, and complain, grumble, criticise, and become bitter about what is wrong with everything we see. We may need to be reminded that Christian believers carry the light of Jesus Christ within them and that they are to shine in the darkness. It will take some effort on our part to try to be wise in what we do and say, to repent of pride and attitudes of superiority, and of thinking we are always right, and for us to be willing to learn new things in God`s Kingdom purposes for today.
Here are the words of our Lord Jesus to us:
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Liz Griffin lived for 20 years as an expatriate in South Africa, Bahrain and Japan, as her husband Paul worked for an international oil company. Paul and Liz became involved with Ellel Ministries in 1991 as part of the ministry team and joined the full-time team at Ellel Grange in 1995. Paul and Liz teach and minister to those seeking healing in their lives and together have written two books, 'Anger - How Do You Handle It' and 'Hope and Healing For The Abused'.
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