“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” Philippians 2:14-15 NKJV
In a story titled, “2025 Nashville Half Marathon & 5K Celebrates Every Runner’s ‘Time to Shine’” published over the weekend, it was reported that the Music City was alive with energy on Saturday as thousands of runners, walkers, and spectators filled the streets for the 2025 Nashville Half Marathon & 5K. Known for its lively atmosphere, scenic downtown course and signature tagline "Your Time to Shine". This year’s event brought together participants from across the country for a race day that perfectly captured the spirit of Nashville…
Race organizers expressed their appreciation to the runners, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who make the event possible each year. “Seeing the streets of Nashville filled with runners is what keeps us inspired,” said Malain McCormick, Event Director. “This city knows how to celebrate, and every finisher truly had their time to shine today.”
And while the runners’ “time to shine” might have been limited to one day and one event, the Bible is clear that a believers' “time to shine” is every day and every where. And we do this by being set apart as people who “do all things without complaining and disputing” that we “may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
This means, in a world where people grumble against God and their fellow believers, we are called to have a different attitude—an attitude that shows we trust in and submit to the providence of God in all things, and that we strive to keep unity in the body at all times. We aren’t to be like the rebellious Israelites, who were constantly complaining and disputing with God during their wilderness sojourn, even though God provided for all of their needs (Numbers 14:2)
Surgeon explained it this way, “Dispute not with God; let him do what seemeth him good. Dispute not with your fellow Christians, raise not railing accusations against them. When Calvin was told that Luther had spoken ill of him, he said, ‘Let Luther call me devil if he please, I will never say of him but that he is a most dear and valiant servant of the Lord.’ Raise not intricate and knotty points by way of controversy.”
You see, it’s through the display of a non-complaining spirit, that we show ourselves to be children of God rather than followers of the world. Furthermore, to be harmless and blameless means we are to be known as people who do no harm, people sent out as sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16).
Notice then that we aren’t told to shine? Only that we shine! It’s a simple statement of fact that Christians are “lights in the world!” and are to shine at all times and in all places. The only question then is “How brightly do we shine?"
And while the runners’ “time to shine” might have been limited to one day and one event, the Bible is clear that a believers' “time to shine” is every day and every where. And we do this by being set apart as people who “do all things without complaining and disputing” that we “may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
This means, in a world where people grumble against God and their fellow believers, we are called to have a different attitude—an attitude that shows we trust in and submit to the providence of God in all things, and that we strive to keep unity in the body at all times. We aren’t to be like the rebellious Israelites, who were constantly complaining and disputing with God during their wilderness sojourn, even though God provided for all of their needs (Numbers 14:2)
Surgeon explained it this way, “Dispute not with God; let him do what seemeth him good. Dispute not with your fellow Christians, raise not railing accusations against them. When Calvin was told that Luther had spoken ill of him, he said, ‘Let Luther call me devil if he please, I will never say of him but that he is a most dear and valiant servant of the Lord.’ Raise not intricate and knotty points by way of controversy.”
You see, it’s through the display of a non-complaining spirit, that we show ourselves to be children of God rather than followers of the world. Furthermore, to be harmless and blameless means we are to be known as people who do no harm, people sent out as sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16).
Notice then that we aren’t told to shine? Only that we shine! It’s a simple statement of fact that Christians are “lights in the world!” and are to shine at all times and in all places. The only question then is “How brightly do we shine?"
So do a self evaluation, and do it often, my friend. If there’s any spirit of grumbling, complaining, or disputing in you, ask the Lord to remove it. It serves no purpose, and will only dim your light. Do all you can to shine bright in a dark world, so that others would be inspired to seek the Light of the world (John 8:12)
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that Christians should live in such a way that they naturally shine bright. Help us to be set apart by our attitudes and our actions Lord so that we will be blameless and harmless amongst an evil generation. Help us to boldly seek out places that are dark knowing that we shine even brighter in those places. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus amen.
Happy Running!
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