Shining Stars
By
Shelby G. Floyd
Scripture says that the things that happened during the Old Testament
economy were examples for God’s people today (1 Corinthians 10:6). Then the
author gave an example of conduct that displeased God and which he punished
severely: “And do not grumble, as
some of them did—and were killed by
the destroying angel” (1 Corinthians
In the New Testament, we have the same warning given concerning the
sin of complaining: “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 the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order
that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing”
(Philippians 2:14-16).
We have many examples of people murmuring, complaining and grumbling
during the life of Christ and the apostles. Some complained because a lady
showed her love for Christ in an extravagant way (Mark 14:3-9). Others
complained because they felt like they were unfairly treated (Matthew
20:1-12). Still there were some who grumbled that Jesus did not associate with
the right people, even though he came to call sinners to repentance (Luke
Complaining becomes a habit and is discouraging to those who are trying to serve the Lord. Let each of us be a positive influence for Christ by being an encourager of others. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus declared, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Let us be shining stars in the midst of a dark and perverse world! Copyright © 2011 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved