Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Philippians 2:12-16 (ESV)
Lights in the World
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Think about your last vacation. Did you grumble and complain about the service you got or the people around you crowding in on you? Do you grumble, argue and get upset over every little thing? Or do you shine the light of the gospel at Disney World, the beach or the Dells? God has blessed us with opportunities to travel and enjoy life. What if these were also opportunities to show God’s love, grace, and mercy? How many waitresses receive grace when they screw up an order? How many attendants at Disney World are thanked for sitting in the hot sun waiting to clean up after all the visitors? How many TSA security officials are shown patience for trying to make flights a little safer? Maybe the Spirit wants to use you to shine the love of God in new ways while you travel, too. Are you ready?