Like Stars

Philippians 2 says, Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Check out this passage.  After this writer has preached the gospel of Jesus to those who believe, he compares them to shining stars in the sky.  Stars that shine and flicker in the darkness forever.

That’s our goal in life – to shine for Jesus – and to live a life of love so that others want to shine for him as well. 

Once we’ve believed, and when we see others believe and come to Christ, to join that starry host of flickering lights in the sky,

Then…

We can boast that the life we lived was not in vain.

There is really no greater joy than bringing someone to the knowledge that Christ loves them, died for them, and lives for them – and to see that person receive that truth and be transformed by the love of Christ.

That’s something we can boast about! Not that we did anything, but that HE did everything. Not that we told them about Christ, but that Christ so loved them that he called them to himself.  Not that we changed them, but that the love of Jesus enveloped them and washed away all of their guilt and shame and clothed them with righteousness and hope.

Boast in Jesus, give honor to his name, and life up praise when one who was lost in the darkness now illuminates the sky.