Day 345

December 11th
Philippians 2:12-4:23.  “Shining Brightly”
         The past few weeks, I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who are far more intent on pointing out what is wrong rather than looking for what is right.  In this passage Paul essentially informs us that this is normal.  He tells us that people will see what is wrong with your life before they see what is right.  So, he informs us, “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you …live clean, innocent lives …in a dark world …let your lives shine brightly” (2:15). 
         There are things we say and do that are more than just damaging to our personal testimony they are destructive within the church.  Are you aware of what kind of words people speak of you or of your church family and what are you doing to make sure they are positive words?  We have to practice what we preach.  Paul said, “Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing” (4:9).  Do you have enough confidence in how you live to say that?