Philippians 2:14-15

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. Philippians 2:14-15

Sanctification, like salvation, is a matter of the heart that builds upon the new creation that we became when we were saved (2 Corinthians 5:17). Today’s passage starts with two behaviors that originate in the heart.  Even if we do not complain or grumble outwardly, but do so in our mind, we are disobeying this command. Sanctification is the daily process by which God changes us from within, conducting His work in us so we become more and more like Jesus.  Over time, God will rid us of our old attitudes and habits and replace them with ones more pleasing to Him.

Why does He do this?  He wants us to shine as lights in the world. This light is not of ourselves, but of Him and will therefore draw people to Jesus. God wants to change us in order to use us for His kingdom, so in order to be effective we need to willingly submit to Him as He molds us to be the children of God that He desires us to be. Lord, may we willingly submit to your work in our hearts as you rid us of attitudes and mindsets that are not pleasing to You, and may we shine as lights in a world that desperately needs to know Jesus.

Pastor Jeff Mericle