Let’s be lights shining in the world for the darkness will flee! We are being watched, so let’s shine as examples of Christ in a dark and crooked world. How can we do this, you may ask? It requires that we are obedient to God and trusting in God because obedience and trust are the keys to being faithful and fruitful followers of Jesus.
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. ‘
Philippians 2:12-13 AMP
In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul urges the believers in Philippi to continue to obey God and to cooperate with His work in them. He reminds them that God is the one who gives them the desire and the ability to do what pleases Him. He also encourages them to do everything without complaining or arguing, so that they may become blameless and pure children of God. Let’s be the dads who grab a hold of these verses to understand how they can help us to shine as lights in the world.
Shine your lights by living out the implications of your salvation daily
The first thing that Paul tells the Philippians is to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. This does not mean that they have to earn their salvation by their own efforts, but that they have to live out the implications of their salvation in their daily lives. Salvation is a gift from God, but it also involves a response from us. For our lights to shine, we have to obey God’s commands, follow His guidance, and submit to his discipline. We also have to respect His holiness and sovereignty and acknowledge our dependence on Him. Working out our salvation means growing in our relationship with God and becoming more like Christ.
Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings so you can shine your lights
The second thing that Paul tells the Philippians is that God is working in them to will and to act according to His good purpose. This means that God is the source and the power of their obedience. God is the one who gives them the desire and the ability to do what pleases Him. He is also the one who has a plan and a goal for their lives. He wants them to be conformed to the image of his Son, and to fulfill His will on earth. God is working in them not only for their own benefit but also for his glory.
Don’t get trapped in the groaning and complaining of the world
The third thing that Paul tells the Philippians is that they should do everything without grumbling or disputing, so that they may become blameless and pure children of God. This means that they should avoid complaining about their circumstances or arguing with one another. Instead, they should be content, thankful, and united in love. They should also be honest, faithful, and righteous in their conduct. By doing so, they will reflect the character of God and the gospel of Christ. They will also stand out as lights in the world, which is crooked and depraved.
So how can we take today’s verse of the day and apply it to help us be the dads God desires for us to be? What can we do to be the husbands for our wives and the dads for our kids that will glorify God?
Applications of Philippians 2:12-13 to help us shine the light and become the dads God created, purposed, and plans for us to be:
- Lead by Example: Recognize that your actions and attitudes influence your family. Be intentional about demonstrating qualities like humility, obedience, and a heart for God in your daily life.
- Spiritual Growth: Continuously seek personal growth in your relationship with God. Cultivate a habit of reading the Bible, prayer, and meditation to strengthen your own faith.
- Servant Leadership: Follow Jesus’ example of servant leadership. Serve your family with love, selflessness, and a willingness to put their needs above your own.
- Open Communication: Foster an environment of open and honest communication within your family. Encourage your children to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
- Discipline with Love: Discipline your children in a way that reflects God’s love for them. Use correction as an opportunity to teach, guide, and nurture their character.
- Prioritize Marriage: Invest time and effort into your marriage. Show love, respect, and care for your wife, modeling a healthy relationship for your children.
- Teach Godly Values: Integrate biblical values and principles into everyday life. Use teachable moments to impart wisdom and help your children develop a solid moral foundation.
- Pray for Guidance: Seek God’s wisdom and guidance in your decisions as a father and husband. Pray regularly for your family’s well-being, growth, and protection.
- Patience and Grace: Practice patience and extend grace to your family members. Understand that growth and transformation take time, and God’s grace is sufficient for all.
- Cultivate Humility: Embrace humility by acknowledging your imperfections and relying on God’s strength. Admit your mistakes, ask for forgiveness when necessary, and model humility for your family.
Remember that becoming the dads God desires us to be is a journey that requires consistent effort, reliance on God’s grace, and a willingness to continually grow and learn. By applying the principles of Philippians 2:12-13, you can shine the light of Christ in your role as a father and husband, glorifying God through your actions, attitudes, and interactions with your family.
