We know we live in a perverse and sinful world, and we are not to conform to the world “but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). The question to ask ourselves is do we look different to others in our actions than the rest of the world?

Yesterday we talked about working out our salvation from the seed the Lord planted in us (Phil 2:12-13), “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose”.

So how are we to look different from the world? We are to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:1-5). He took on the nature of a servant, humbled Himself in obedience to the Father, even to death on the cross (Phil 2:6-11). There is no room for pride if we have the same mindset as Jesus.

In the next few verses, we see this: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.” (Phil 2:14-16)

Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, we are to be thankful. We aren’t to complain, but instead “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18). Giving thanks in all circumstances isn’t the way of the world, which puffs itself up and demands what it believes it is rightfully due. When instead of complaining and demanding, we are thankful and praise God for what He provides, “then [we] will shine..like starts in the sky”. Darkness reacts to light. Is your light shining?