STARS. Philippians 2:14-15.

We talk about movie STARS, sports STARS, rock STARS. But what is a star? Why do we use the metaphor constantly? Imagine the inky blackness of a starless sky. If you could spend a moonless night at sea or on a mountaintop a thousand miles from civilization, you would see true darkness. Yet stars remain: distant, blinking lights. A cloudless sky filled with stars provides enough light to walk by. And that’s the point: a star lights things up, a star stands on a dark stage and shines like a light.

The Bible says your life can shine like a star—both here and in heaven.

Daniel 12:3 says of heaven that “those who lead many to righteousness will SHINE LIKE THE STARS forever and ever.” Sharing your faith—that will make you a star in heaven.

And Paul writes of believers who are stars on earth:

“Do everything without grumbling or disputing, so that you may be called blameless and pure, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, AMONG WHOM YOU SHINE LIKE STARS IN THE WORLD” Philippians 2:14-15.

Do you realize you live “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation”? You do. But hang in there. Endure.

1. Serve without grumbling or disputing.
2. Be blameless and pure.
3. Live as a child of God, above reproach, though surrounded by the crooked and perverse.

Then you will SHINE LIKE STARS IN THE WORLD.

When you serve with a good attitude and honor God, the people living in darkness will see God’s light and He will use you to “lead many to righteousness” (Dan. 12:3) so you will then SHINE LIKE THE STARS FOREVER AND EVER.

Do you see? Walk with God in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation. Serve with a kind, helpful attitude. Be blameless and pure. Then those living in darkness around you will see God’s light and turn to Him. Thus, if you shine like a star on earth, you will also shine like a star in heaven.

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