What does Paul mean when he encourages us to “shine like
stars in the universe”? (Philippians 2:14). Our speaker for the Mo-Ranch
All-Church Retreat taught us this is God’s missionary call. We are the light of
Christ.
We began the weekend thinking about the people we interact
with and the activities we engage in on a typical weekday. By the end of
Saturday morning we each came up with a “missional intention.” Our “missional
intention” was one specific way we could be the light of Christ in the places
we work, play, learn, and live during a particular day of the week.
In keeping with our theme, we’d hoped to enjoy star gazing
under the Hill Country night sky. Many of us downloaded the SkyView app for our
phones and iPads so we could identify the constellations and Mr. Lawson brought
his telescope so we could get a closer look. Instead, the stars remained veiled
behind a thick layer of clouds. We went the entire three days of our “Shine
Like Stars” retreat and never saw a single star.
Bummer, right? Not really.
You see, our shining as Christ’s light often seems veiled.
When you show up to work or school, you may not feel very much like a “shining
star” for Christ. Perhaps you don’t see God making much of a difference in your
workplace, family or neighborhood. Maybe you feel more like a low-burning
candle than a bright flaming star.
In Romans 8, Paul talks about the temporary gloomy forecast
of a world caught between sin and redemption. “For in this hope we were saved.
Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he does not see? But
if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it with patience.” (Rom
8:24-25).
The Kingdom of God is shining even though it often appears
veiled under clouds of injustice, broken relationships, oppression and
heartache. The Good News is that when Christ returns, the clouds will part, the
sky will clear and God’s Kingdom will shine forever. Until then, we remain
confident that God is at work in the world through us.
