Philippians two is a wonderful chapter. In it Paul challenges us to have the mind of Jesus by being humble and obedient. When he comes to verse fifteen he urges, “become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” The NIV translates the last part “shine like the stars in the universe.”
Hollywood stars are people who shine by pretending to be someone they are not. If they are really good at it they receive a small gold plated statue. God’s stars shine not by pretending but by becoming. Each day we grow into the likeness of our Jesus, who according to Hebrews one, made the entire universe. Instead of winning a small gold statue we win the ultimate prize, we win a crown of eternal life.
Notice the goal God has for us is to become harmless while living in a perverse world. Because of the way we are that is almost impossible. So often we ignorantly harm others. We don’t know the backgrounds of those whom we contact and we thoughtlessly say things that pierce hearts. Ignorantly we belittle someone and not only make them feel small but useless. As a teacher with a captive audience I have to be so careful and yet despite my care I still on occasion cause tears.
It is not easy to be harmless. To be so we, first of all, need wisdom. We need to understand others’ sensitivities. Secondly, we need a desire to be a nurturer. Thirdly, we need to learn to express ourselves in non-judgmental caring language. All this I have found is quite impossible without the indwelling Spirit of God’s love.
Written by Roger Bothwell on May 10, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org