Twinkle, twinkle ∙∙∙
Shine like stars in the world. – Philippians 2:15
Philippians 2:12-16
12 My dear friends, you have always obeyed, not only when I was with you but even more now that I’m absent. In the same way, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
13 It is God who produces in you the desires and actions that please him.
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing.
15 Then you will be blameless and innocent. You will be God’s children without any faults among people who are crooked and corrupt. You will shine like stars among them in the world
16 as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Why Do Stars Twinkle?
When we hear the word “twinkle,” we often think of the stars. Interestingly, the light from stars is actually steady and constant, so why do they seem to twinkle? The answer is in the starlight’s journey to Earth. Stars are extremely far away from our planet, and as their light passes through Earth’s atmosphere, it encounters turbulence and air movements at different atmospheric layers. This turbulence bends and scatters the starlight, causing some parts to reach Earth directly while others are slightly redirected. This bending creates the illusion of twinkling when seen from the ground.
In the vacuum of outer space, where there is no atmosphere to interfere with the light, stars do not twinkle. Instead, they shine steadily.
Why Planets Don’t Twinkle
Unlike stars, celestial objects closer to Earth, such as the Moon and planets, appear as multiple points of light rather than single ones. This makes them less affected by atmospheric turbulence, allowing their light to remain stable and unwavering.
Shining in a Dark World
The world we live in is a dark and broken place. Paul describes humanity as “crooked, corrupt, distorted, and twisted” in Philippians 2:15. Darkness seems to deepen and spread further. For some, this darkness causes fear, as if light will never come back. This feeling is similar to the dread felt during the longest night of the year at the winter solstice. It’s like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but much more intense.
Think about the social and political climate of our times. Courtesy, civility, and kindness have been replaced by outrage, vengeance, and division. As William Falk noted in October 2018, “This is our politics now: no uplifting rhetoric about ‘hope’ or ‘a shining city on the hill,’ no poetry, no norms, no decency. It is grievance, revenge, identity all the way down.”
In such a dark world, how can we shine like the stars in the sky? It’s easy to feel inadequate, wondering how our tiny, seemingly insignificant light could ever make a difference.
The Nature of Stars: Effortless Light
Stars do not have to make an effort to shine; they shine naturally because it is their inherent quality. They do not strain or exert themselves to produce light; it simply radiates from them. In the same manner, we are called to shine as children of the King.
The Lord Jesus Christ, who created the stars and brought physical light into the world, is also the source of spiritual light. His light shines through us because of His presence within us.
Christ, The Source of True Light
John 1:4-5 reminds us: “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
The light of Christ is strong and unquenchable. It shines even in the darkest places, bringing hope and life. As children of the King, we are called to let His light flow out from us. We don’t have to create it or force it; we simply need to let it shine.
REFLECT & PRAY
The world may be dark, but the children of the King are called to shine like bright stars in the night sky. As Mark Twain once said, “Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.” Our light, though small, can make a profound difference because it does not come from us; it is the light of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Father, You have placed the light of the life of the Lord Jesus Christ within me. Help me to let it shine, that others may see Your glory and be drawn to You.
INSIGHT
What Prevents Our Light from Shining?
If we have light within us, what stops it from shining brightly? It isn’t external disturbances like atmospheric turbulence but rather the internal chaos we face. Emotional and spiritual turmoil, along with feelings of discontent, grumbling, arguments, and unresolved hurt feelings, dims our light. When we sulk, harbor bad feelings, or retreat into silence, the light within us becomes masked and weakened.
Paul provides a clear directive in Philippians 2:14, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”
Complaining, dissatisfaction, and conflict are the norms of this fallen world. But as children of the King, we are called to be different. Rather than identifying with the brokenness of this world, we are to identify with the Lord Jesus Christ. As He reminds us in John 15:19, “You are not of this world.”
A Call to Action – Living Out Our Salvation
Paul provides practical guidance for how we can live out our salvation in Philippians 2:12-13: “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
When we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, we receive salvation. But Paul challenges us to go further, to live out our salvation in real, tangible ways. He uses a powerful play on words: we are to “work out” because the Father “works in.”
The Meaning of “Work Out” and “Work In”
The Greek word translated as “work out” is katergazomai, which means “to work something to full completion or to put it fully into effect.” Wiersbe observes that it is the same term used to describe solving a math problem, mining valuable ore, or cultivating a field to yield the greatest harvest possible. In essence, we are called “to maximize the potential of our salvation.”
The Greek word translated as “working” is energeo, from which we derive the English word “energy.” This verb means to “be at work, to be operative, or to put forth power.” But there is more.
The Father not only supplies the energy we need to work out our salvation but also motivates us to do so. O’Brien observes that the word translated as “will” is thelein. It usually signifies “to want, to desire, or to feel strongly.” But in this passage, thelein “signifies more than mere wishing; it denotes a resolve or purposeful determination.”
The Father’s Role in Our Growth
Paul not only tells us what the Father desires but also how to achieve it. The Father is deeply involved in the process. He empowers us to do what He asks. He provides us with inner resolve and determination to obey, along with the energy and strength to make it happen.
Paul explains that the Father is intimately involved in our spiritual growth. He doesn’t just tell us what He aspires for us; He equips us to accomplish it. The Father provides:
- The Desire (thelein): This word signifies more than a mere wish; it “denotes a purposeful determination or resolve.” The Father instills in us the will to follow His plan.
- The Power (energeo): The Father supplies the “energy and strength” needed to bring His desires to fruition.
Each child of the King can work out their salvation because the Father works within us to help us achieve the full potential of His plan for our lives.
Living the Father’s Dream
The Father has a unique dream for every child of the King. He has bestowed incredible potential upon each of us and provides both the desire and the energy to fulfill His dreams for us. However, realizing this potential requires us to actively work out our salvation, trusting that He is guiding us.
The Father’s plan for you is filled with purpose and possibilities. Are you living it out? Are you allowing His light to shine through you, or are you letting internal turbulence dim your light?
Are you living out the Father’s dream for you?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯5-21-3
© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 