Like a Star Shining Brightly for Christ - Carla D Burnette

On a clear evening look up at the sky and notice the myriads of stars shining brightly. They illuminate the dark sky. In contrast, on a cloudy evening, all we see is darkness when the clouds cover up the stars.

Believer in Christ, did you know you are like a star shining brightly in the darkness? Radiating the light of Christ along with billions of other believers all over the world.

Philippians 2:14-16a tells us, “Do everything without grumbling and arguing, ¹⁵so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, ¹⁶by holding firm to the word of life” (CSB). 

Grumbling and Arguing

Verse 14 exhorts us not to grumble and argue. Why? Because grumbling and arguing dims our light like a cloud covers up a star’s light. Grumbling expresses discontent with people or circumstances and arguing causes division. The complete opposite of Christian character. Scripture instructs us to give thanks in all circumstances, build others up and pursue peace with people (I Thessalonians 5:11,18; Romans 12:18). 

Do you like to be around people who grumble and argue? Such people tend to wear you down and deflate your optimism, darkening your day. 

Instead, don’t we prefer to be around those who are thankful and encouraging? We enjoy spending time with such people, for they inspire and uplift us, brightening our day. 

When we refrain from grumbling and arguing, we will stand out amongst a sinful and dark world (v.15); shining brightly like a star. People will notice we are different and be drawn to our light – the light of Christ.

Holding Firm

How do we keep shining brightly in this dark world? “By holding firm to the word of life”, which is the good news of the gospel (v. 16). Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and granting eternal life to those who believe is the good news. Scripture tells us Jesus is the light of the world who has overcome the darkness of evil (John 8:12; John 1:4-5). Because of Jesus, believers in Christ have overcome the darkness as well (I John 5:4-5). Good news indeed!

Note that verse 16 tells us to hold FIRM. The Biblical definition of firm is “securely or solidly fixed in place”. No matter what we face, we keep an eternal perspective. This world is not our home. Our struggles here are temporary, so we fix our eyes firmly on the unseen – Christ and our heavenly home (2 Corinthians 4:18). 

“but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3-4 ESV).

Shine Brightly for Christ

Remember, people are watching us. They notice how we respond to adversity and hardship. It’s during these times when we continue shining brightly for Christ, they may wonder how we can remain joyful. This gives us the opportunity to share the reason for our hope which is Jesus. 

“Believers are to be so distinct from unbelievers that we stand out as positive models. If God is working in our lives, we are to be unlike the godless society around us. We are to make them curious as to why we are not like them. Christ, himself, said that we are to be “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). Paul says we are to be as conspicuous in the world as stars are in the dark nighttime heavens.“

Holman New Testament Commentary on Philippians

May this be true of us. Let’s shine brightly for Christ, holding firm to the gospel not letting anything diminish our light.

Father, what an incredible privilege to shine the light of Christ wherever we go. Help us to be mindful of this responsibility. May we sense the conviction of the Holy Spirit whenever we grumble and argue, and immediately repent. Help us to keep our eyes fixed firmly on You rather than on the things in this world. We love You and want to glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflective Questions:

1. Does my life look different from those in this world?
2. Is something hindering the light of Christ from shining in my life?
3. Am I living with eternity in mind?
4. Do I find myself grumbling and complaining instead of having an attitude of thankfulness and contentment?

Additional Scripture References

Matthew 5:14-16, ‘“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven”’ (CSB).

James 5:9a, “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged” (ESV).

I Thessalonians 5:15b-18, “always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (ESV). 

Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (ESV).

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