Joy in Purity
Scripture Reading — Philippians 2:14-15
Become blameless and pure … shine like stars in the universe.
Philippians 2:14-15
Where I live, the stars shine brightly against the night sky. Neither urban smog nor city lights drown out their brilliance. In the same way, followers of Jesus are “to shine like stars in the universe.”
“To shine like stars” in this way means to live as pure children of God. It means to possess an uncompromising devotion to learn and live by the will of God in Jesus Christ.
How do we live a pure life?
First, God’s pure light shines on us in order to dispel the darkness of our personal sin. Purity is God’s gracious gift. It is not the fruit of human effort. Second, God’s pure light shines within us. The smog of sin daily clouds the mind, and the dazzling temptations of the world easily blind the heart. We need God’s light to daily correct and guide us. Finally, God’s light shines through us, allowing us to reflect the Lord’s brilliance within the world’s darkness.
Many people want to live “the good life,” but their neverending quest often leaves a trail of greed, neglected children, unhappy marriages, and other hurts. The only way to escape these patterns of darkness is to learn God’s will and to live it out in our daily lives.
Do our lives reflect the brilliance of God’s gracious Word and work? Or do we remain in sin’s darkness?
Lord, how great and awesome you are. May the light of your grace always shine on me, within me, and through me. Guide me to know and delight in your will. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Calvin Hoogendoorn
Rev. Calvin Hoogendoorn serves as senior pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Previously he served two churches in Illinois. He and his wife, Carla, have three daughters.
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