“It is possible to live ‘in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation’ without being defined by it.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 21, 2024
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 or labored in vain. Philippians 2:14-16, NKJV
To live in the modern world is to be bombarded with messages of relentless urgency. “You’ll never find this deal again!” “The stakes have never been higher!” “Apply now, or you won’t get in!” Wave after successive wave of urgency crash upon the shores of our hearts, creating a constant state of anxiety and unrest within us. In many ways, we accept this as the unavoidable reality of the world in which we live and thus resign ourselves to this inevitable fate.
Yet what if there’s another way? What if it isn’t as inevitable as we assume?
It is possible to live “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation” without being defined by it. In fact, it’s not only possible to keep ourselves from it; we are invited to embody and show forth into the world an entirely different way of living, one that is free from perpetual anxiety and is instead unshakably rooted in the perfect peace of the kingdom of God. We shine as lights in the world, illuminating the darkness and inviting people into the light of God’s love as we become living examples of the transformation that is possible by the indwelling grace of God.
Today, I’m especially struck by the way in which Paul invites us to become blameless children of light. “Do all things without complaining and disputing.” All things is a hard one to get our heads around, isn’t it? It’s easy to withhold complaint when we agree with a person or a situation. It’s not difficult to avoid dispute when we see the world through the same lens as someone else or believe their judgment to be fair and correct. Yet what about the countless other times and situations when we feel wronged or slighted, or when someone is advocating for positions that we find deeply offensive or troubling?
In moments like these, what is most needed is an eternal perspective. Chaos and disagreement may abound in our society and interpersonal relationships, yet the invitation before us is to “hold fast to the word of life,” keeping our eyes forever focused on the “day of Christ” and living by the peace and joy of that perfect kingdom, even in our deeply imperfect present world.
Prayer
Father, keep us from living anxious or fearful lives, instead daily rooting us in the unshakable peace of your kingdom, through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.
Application
What does it look like for you in your current season to live amid a crooked and anxious world yet fully at peace in your heart?
Related Reading
Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 5:8-9; 1 Peter 2:9
Worship Resource
Jon Guerra: Let a Little Light In
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