SHINING IN THE MIDST OF A CROOKED AND PERVERSE GENERATION

Bible Text: "Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticise you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless." (Philippians 2:14-16)

This is not an encouragement to do something; it is a simple statement of fact. Christians are lights in the world; the only question is, "How brightly do they shine?" Through the display of a non-complaining spirit, we show ourselves to be true followers of God.
For the friendship of two, the patience of one is required. Life is not a variety of pleasant choices, but of inevitable problems that call for strength, determination, and hard work.

When we take one step toward God, he comes closer toward us.

Dispute not with your fellow Christians, raise not railing accusations against them, or tricky points by way of argument.

The idea that Paul’s work might somehow end up to be in vain was a troublesome thought to him. He knew that his work really abided in people, so that if those people did not continue on strong with the Lord, there was a sense in which his own ministry was in vain.

Paul looked forward to the day of Christ, and on that day he wanted to see and to know that his work was fruitful.

This was something he could only be assured of if the Philippians continued to walk with the Lord.
A true heart of a shepherd have few burdens for one’s self, but many for others; to not be content with one’s own relationship with God, but also longing to see others walking with the Lord.