The What
For best results, you may want to print the passage below and grab a pen or a few colored pencils. The prompts accompanying the passage, which assume you’re looking at a printed version of the passage, will help you notice some convicting detail. (If you’re doing this devo on a screen, that’s fine.)
“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” (Phil. 2:14-15, NIV).
• Draw a star over the reference to stars.
• Draw a smiley over references to whoever can shine like a star.
• Circle any descriptions of those who will shine like stars.
• Write down the actions that lead to those descriptions.
The So What
• Going by this passage, what does shining like a star help us do?
• What are the two actions that start the sequence toward shining like a star? (Hint: these come in the form of instructions in this passage.)
• Think about what’s being said with the analogy of “shining like a star.” Write down a thought or two about the point that’s being made with this analogy.
• The verse opens with a very comprehensive word: everything. We’re instructed to do everything without complaining or arguing. That’s a tall order, but it is certainly achievable. What are the top three areas of life that cause you to complain the most? Write a list of these.
• In the course of a normal week, what things do you find yourself arguing about? Write down two or three in a list.
Putting into Practice
Shining like a star is a high bar of achievement. Thus, grumbling and arguing must be key actions that God’s people are to avoid. Think about the lists you just made about complaining and arguing. Is there a common trait to which the items on your lists could be traced? For example, could all of your areas be connected to impatience or selfishness? Meditate on that thought for a minute. Then write beside each item one thing you can change so you can turn your grumbling and arguing into shining.
The ultimate goal of Philippians 2:14-15 is to hold firmly to the Word of life in a world that runs counter to the message of the Word of life. This firm hold starts with two simple instructions: Don’t complain; don’t argue. It’s always nice when God gives us practical instructions that pack a powerful punch. These simple actions will lead you to the blockbuster life you’ve always wanted.
