“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” 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.” Philippians 2:14–16
Back in the day, when I was the age that my grandchildren are today, I don’t recall hearing the term ‘summer camp’ being used by kids in my neighborhood. Most of us had some chores to do and then were free to go fishing, swimming, exploring places on the outskirts of town and playing some sort of sports that we could ride our bikes to, as our parents worked and didn’t take us places like is so common today. There weren’t camps where we could go to improve our young lives.
As I was reading the above verses written by the Apostle Paul to people in Philippi, the thought came into my mind about a summer camp for us, well at least some of us, of a camp where we could get some help this summer with our grumbling and arguing. I have heard it in the facility where I live; daily. I try not to join in and pile on in an argument about the food, the help or how my laundry was done. We really should try to model our lives that are not like the majority of the grumblers. A positive attitude makes a major statement in our ‘warped and crooked generation.’ We don't need to shout it out or make a ‘better than you’ appearance; just got to stop grumbling and arguing.
Paul identifies four startling differences in our summer camp between those who know Christ and those who don't. These four descriptive words make all the difference in the world. Unlike our unbelieving friends, we are to be Blameless. This suggests a purity of life that is both undeniable and unhypocritical; free of defect. Pure. This means unmixed and unadulterated; inexperienced in evil and untainted in motive; possessing integrity. Above reproach. This description is used of sacrificial lambs offered on altars and means free of blemish. Shining Lights. Actually, the term used here means ‘luminaries’, meaning we are to shine like stars surrounded by darkness. The six girls in the attached photo appear to be brightly shining stars.
Paul goes on to say in our summer camp, that as we shine like stars, we are to ‘hold firmly to the word of life.’ We should strive to be bold, blazing, light-giving stars in this fallen world! There you have it. Paul’s five-minute summer camp.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay