Philippians 2:14-16

I spend Sundays worshipping the Lord, and I invite you to receive His Word.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing,

so that you may become blameless and pure,

children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in heaven as you hold out the word of life---"

     As Christians, we are called upon to live our lives as examples for unbelievers; to show them what the salvation of Jesus Christ has done for us, and our willingness to live a life that is pleasing to God.  Of course, each one of us falls short of living that perfect, exemplary life, and I'll be honest ---- I'm not sure I can go any length of time without complaining or arguing about something! 

     And that's the hardest thing to explain to unbelievers; that God knows we will miss the mark.  But if we recognize our faults, ask forgiveness, and persevere in our faith, then we will experience a spiritual growth and maturation.  Living a blameless and pure life is easier said than done in this "crooked and depraved generation."  We are increasingly made objects of ridicule, disgust and loathing. 

     I, for one, find it hard to "turn the other cheek" when the hatred and vitriol against Christians is so obvious and out in the open.  When we can no longer share in empathy for each other as human beings, regardless of whether you believe in God or not, then I fear the rancor and hostility will escalate.

     Case in point:  Radio talk show host Mike Malloy made this comment after recent storms ravaged the South, "Their God....keeps smashing them into little grease spots...".  I will not repeat the rest of his diatribe as it serves no purpose for the will of God.  But you get the picture...

     I have to keep returning to what this Scripture directs us to do.  Just as Mr. Malloy has shown the world the darkness of his soul, I must not retaliate in kind.  Instead, I will point out the incredible faith of the people who were impacted by these devastating storms.  I will let their strength and their hope in the face of ruin speak for what belief in Jesus Christ can do for you.  They are holding out the "word of life" and the promise of renewal; while Mr. Malloy, and others like him, offer nothing but empty words of hate and destruction. 

     And I will once again make a conscious decision to pray for those who do not know the loving grace and mercy of Jesus, my Lord.  I know I'm not perfect, but I do know this:  regardless of Mr. Malloy's skepticism, in the end "every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Him as Lord." I pray they will see the light and take the opportunity to "shine like the stars in heaven."