In this final verse study of our missions series, I want to study Philippians 2:14-15 which shows us the attitude we ought to have so that we can reach others.
”Do all things without murmurings and disputings…”
We are God’s ambassadors on earth. As we seek to evangelize the lost, our attitude will affect their concept of our God. Christians are meant to seek to be more and more like Jesus Christ. If those we are ministering to watch us murmur and dispute, how will they be expected to be drawn to the One we are to represent?
“…that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke…”
Blameless and harmless. That is what we should be to the people we are trying to reach. We should strive to only be loving to them. This doesn’t mean that we can never say anything that may offend them. We must “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). People must know of their state as sinners condemned to hell, but they must hear it with the good news of God’s eternal love who is willing to forgive and save them. It is likely that the way they view the messenger will affect the way they take the message. We are the sons of God, and others should see His love and mercy in us.
“…in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”
We are indeed living in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation—and world. It is an amazing thing to know that we can shine from within the darkness. We can offer hope to those who have none. We have all once been in that place of lostness and helplessness. We have the opportunity to share the same power that rescued us with others who are perishing. Let your life shine the light of Christ Jesus!
And speaking of murmuring and disputing, evangelist Scott Pauley often says something that has stuck with me. It goes something like this: “I’d hate to stand before the throne of Jesus as the martyrs come by and try to explain why I whined and complained my way to the rapture.” The world may be “crooked and perverse,” but we have every reason to be joyful Christians.
Let’s determine this week to have a godly attitude that will draw others to Christ. Jesus is coming soon—there is much to be done!
Your sister in Christ,
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