Philippians 2:14-18 "Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless..."

"Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you—and in the same way you must be glad and rejoice with me" (Philippians 2:14-18).

Comment:

Paul is writing to the church he founded inPhilippi from a prison cell. References to the imperial guard and the emperor suggest that he is writing fromRome in the final years of his life, but it's not certain. What is certain is that he is very aware of the situation, and of the possibility that his death may be imminent. He is sending thanks to the congregation for gifts they have sent him and is counseling them through some challenges they are experiencing by referencing his own personal challenges.

Paul urges the church not to descend to bickering among themselves, but to concentrate on perfectly expressing in their individual lives the Christ Presence that is the center of the message of Jesus Christ. It is by expressing their own innate Christ nature that they will "shine like stars in the world." He compares his own possible death to a temple sacrifice; and it is by staying centered in his own Christ nature that he can face that possibility of being sacrificed for the faith they share with joy instead of fear.

The message, I think, is true for each of us in all of the challenges we may face in the course of this human existence. If we stay focused on the Christ Presence that is our true spiritual identity, then whatever happens in our mortal lives becomes, not an obstacle or impediment, but a clear and centered statement of the "stars in the world" we truly are.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed