“Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”— Philippians 2:15 (NLT)

Yesterday, we explored Jesus’ powerful and life-changing statement, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12 NLT). In our exploration, we came to understand that as believers, we have the light of Christ in us, and we’re called by the Lord to shine that light into the world so that others would have their life lit up, too. 

But what does that mean? What does that look like practically in your everyday life? Paul tells us! In today’s verse, he instructs us to “Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” Paul uses words like “blameless” (amemptoi: above reproach; morally pure), “innocent” (akeraioi: simple, unsophisticated, sincere; untainted by sinful motives), and “unblemished” (amōma: morally, spiritually untainted from the marring effects of sin). 

First, shining like bright lights means our outward actions are above reproach, to the point that no one could accuse us of living in a manner that contradicts the principles of the Scriptures. That means living “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27 NIV), it means “as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18 NIV) . . . it means living like Jesus did. If you need further clarification, browse through the Gospels and do like Jesus did.

Second, it means living simple lives of faith and devotion to Christ, lives that are focused on His will, plan, and mission for our lives. This means casting off the excess, self-centeredness, distractions, and lavishness of modern society and living for Christ and others with no other motivation than to respond to the love and grace of the Lord in our lives, to “know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead” (Philippians 3:10 NLT).
Third, it means seeking the Lord daily in prayer, worship, and Bible study. It means living in the victory and walking in the power we have access to by the power of Christ’s sacrifice and through the Holy Spirit that dwells is us. It means walking in freedom (Galatians 5:1), fleeing from temptation (2 Timothy 2:22–24), and resisting the devil (James 4:7). 
If you want to shine light in a dark world . . . it has to be a holistic lifestyle of surrender to Christ, service towards others, and commitment to the Word.

DIG: Read the Book of Philippians. Paul explains very well in this letter what the life of a Christ-follower should look like and how we can best shine His light into the world. 

DISCOVER: Why does the lifestyle you lead matter so much as it pertains to shining your light?

DISPLAY: Is there any area you are falling short in shining? Are you covering your light in some part of your walk? Submit this area of your life to Him and ask the Lord today to pull back the curtain and work in that area so you may shine brighter for Jesus.