Philippinas 2:14-16a TPT
14 Live a cheerful life, without complaining or division among yourselves. 15 For then you will be seen as innocent [translates “mature”], faultless, and pure children of God, even though you live in the midst of a brutal and perverse culture. For you will appear among them as shining lights [enlightened ones] in the universe, 16 offering them the words of eternal life [you stand in the place of life to them].
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds the church at Philippi they must fight against the spirit of division by standing in holy unity; this is the mark of the mature believer—the pure children of God. Unity flows from God; it is a gift of grace from the God head and reflects how the Father, Son, and the Spirit live as One. The Spirit of unity is not about agreeing with humanity; it is about living under the authority of God and choosing to align our lives with his Word—making Jesus our Lord. Jesus tells his disciples, “I am [God] light to the world and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk [be pushed] in darkness” (John 8:12).
Our world faces many challenges these days. Humanity’s rebellion against the authority of God’s Word comes with a price; the increase of darkness and the spread of lawlessness. Therefore, believers worldwide must unite and love one another as Christ has loved us (John 15:12). It is time for the Church to rise up and take her place as lights shining in the darkness, because living in unity reveals our place in God’s life and blessing (Ps. 133).
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the grace that helps me to live in unity; to be One with you. I pray for my spiritual brothers and sisters worldwide. As we call upon the name of the Lord—Jesus Christ—may we run from anything that would seek to divide us and rest in the unity of your love. Holy Spirit, help us to shine forth eternal life in this brutal and perverse culture. In Jesus’ name. Amen.