Do all things without complaining
and disputing, that you may become
blameless and harmless, children of God
without fault in the midst of a crooked
and perverse generation, among whom
you shine as lights in the world,
holding fast the word of life, so that I
may rejoice in the day of Christ that I
have not run in vain.
Philippians 2:14-16
If the world in Paul's day was considered to be crooked and a perverse generation, what should we considered this present age? This present age that has declined so much in morality that it accepts as normal that which is abnormal. How can it be that anyone with a sane mind could accept what is clearly abnormal for normality, that is, how could this generation accept, abortion, a killing of a human life, or to accept homosexuality, as they like to say, "gay," as though by that word this abnormal lifestyle is acceptable? Times may change and there may be a shift in culture, but man does not change, and that which was always considered abnormal, even if allowed in some extent, had laws that defined them as abnormal,(See the laws of Hammurabi). Paul faced such people that called themselves "Christian," and yet demanded that the laws of Judaism be followed, circumcision to be performed, and the Gnostics that taught a false religion, each attempting to enter into the Church and make a change from the truth taught by Paul to conform to their worldview and ideology. Add to this influx of people, people that had beliefs outside of Authentic Christianity and confusion, debates, and complaining were rampart and Paul was giving advice to those holding to the truth of the Gospel not to become one like those who he spoke against.
Authentic Christians are those who are the salt of the earth, the light and not to use that which you are is only to be downtrodden, shamed, have fingers pointed at you for not being what you say you are as it is plain by complaints, that the word of God has little place in your thinking, your belief, and in your life: "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, ho shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 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 and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:11-16).
As the resurrection day of Jesus Christ draws near, let us not forget whose we are and who we are: His ambassadors, the light of the world, and one who is holding fast to the word of life. Those who have aided you in your growth as an Authentic Christian have then reason to rejoice for all their hard work, prayers and to the glory of God. That person will rejoice in heaven and so will you for you will see Jesus, not just one who died on the cross, but the resurrected Jesus your Savior, and the One with whom forever you will live with, Him, and all of His bride.
Take time now! Spend time now, not just to hunt Easter eggs, to go and buy special attire for the occasion, but to mediated upon Him, and how you can be a light to your world. God will bless your efforts even though you may not see all that is accomplished, but knowing that you are obedient and that to the glory of God.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
I have sworn and confirmed
that I will keep Your
righteous judgments.
Psalm 119:105-106
He has risen! Salvation has come!
Richard L. Crumb
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