Read: Philippians 2:12-18

Do all things without complaining
and disputing that you may...
shine as lights in the world.
-Philippians 2:14-15

Many people think that Christians are always negative and fighting against something. That's unfortunate, because we should be known as positive people who promote what is good and right.

One newspaper columnist addressed this issue, saying that we have strayed from our Savior's commands. He wondered if we are loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. Are we feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting those in prison? (Mt. 5:44-45; 25:34-36).

Many of us are disturbed by the evils in our society but we do little more than talk negatively about it. We leave the impression that we hate those who don't live by our standards. They see us as self-righteous snobs.

How unlike the Lord Jesus and His first followers! Although they did not hesitate to denounce sin, their primary focus was to demonstrate the purity, compassion, unselfishness, and humility of Christ's love.

How much better to be a beacon of truth rather than an instigator of condemnation. Instead of merely complaining about the problems in the world, let's be part of the solution! Following the example of Jesus, we need to reach out in love to those around us who need

Him. -Herbert Vander Lugt

Give me a heart sympathetic and tender,
Jesus, like Thine, Jesus, like Thine,
Touched by the needs that are surging around me,
And filled with compassion divine. -Anon

IF WE LOVE CHRIST, WE WILL LOVE THE LOST.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1998 by Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.