Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Philippians 2:12–18

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where things were being said or done that you simply couldn’t agree with from a biblical standpoint? I’ve been there. I once sat in a group teaching a false theology. I loved the people, but I knew I had to speak up for the truth. That’s never easy. My best friend would say, “I don’t have a problem speaking up,” but even she doesn’t always see the struggle it takes to get to that moment of courage.

In this passage, Paul encourages us to live in such a way that we shine like stars in the sky (Philippians 2:15). That begins, he says, with working out our salvation with fear and trembling (v. 12).

Working out our salvation doesn’t mean earning it. It means letting God change us from the inside out—what Scripture calls sanctification. That’s a big churchy word, but here’s what it means: being conformed to the image of Jesus, being made holy, being made new. Salvation and sanctification go hand in hand. If you are saved, God is sanctifying you.

And one of the first changes Paul points to is this: stop complaining and arguing (v. 14). That’s both with God and with others. God doesn’t want us to argue with Him—He wants us to trust Him, even when His plan doesn’t line up with what we thought we wanted. And with others? Paul reminds us that if all we do is complain, demand our own way, and argue with the very people we are called to love, then how can we possibly shine the light of Jesus in a dark world?

Life is hard. We don’t always get what we want or think we deserve. Paul doesn’t sugarcoat it—he uses the word work. “Work out your salvation.” That means we have to participate. We make choices. We choose to let the Holy Spirit guide our words—and sometimes, that means letting Him close our mouths before we say what we shouldn’t.

And there’s a purpose behind it. Paul says, do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (vv. 14–15).

That’s the goal: to be found blameless and innocent before God, shining like stars in a dark sky.

Reflection:

Where in your life right now do you need to let God quiet your complaints or arguments so His light can shine through you?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for saving me and for continuing to shape me into the image of Christ. Help me to trust You instead of arguing with You, and to love others instead of complaining against them. May my life shine like a star in the darkness, pointing others to Your grace. Amen.