“…Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Philippians 2:15b/NIV
We live in an era where we are glued to international media watching turmoil occurring in Europe and Asia. One of the world’s most powerful and populous nations has attacked and invaded a neighboring country about one-fourth its size. Bullets are flying, bombs are being dropped, nuclear facilities are under attack, and scores of innocent people have been injured and have died. As I scour the media, I cannot find one, searching for a valid reason for this senseless assault. Perhaps the boastful pride and ego of the vengeful nation provides understanding for this wrathful assault!
Philippians 16:18 warns prideful people about a bad outcome: “Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall” (NIV). As you review mankind’s historical records, there have always been skirmishes and turmoil where a prideful nature was associated with the aggressor. Historically, people who possessed a prideful nature met a bad outcome. I anticipate as pride is apparent with an aggressive nation, their destruction and demise will occur. History will repeat itself! Where can powerful international leaders turn for wisdom, guidance, and a better way?
Let’s turn to the Holy Bible for answers about a mature and better way:
- Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV): “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
- Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV): “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.”
- Ephesians 4:29 (NIV): “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
- Proverbs 25:21-22 (NIV): “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
After reviewing these very insightful Bible verses, I am enriched with a healthier perspective compared to what I have observed with prideful international leaders! To help foster a peaceful resolution, selfish ambition and arguing should cease. We should speak in a manner that builds others up! If our adversary is hungry, feed them, and in doing this, you will heap burning coals on their head, and the Lord will reward you. Perhaps in following these basic biblical principles, we will shine like stars in the sky! Amen!
Many blessings to you!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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