We saw yesterday that we are to be a light in the midst of the world's darkness. Paul explains it this way in Philippians 2:15: "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world...." The world we live in is also crooked and perverse. "Crooked" means "crooked, bent or warped from dryness." "Perverse" means "to turn or twist throughout." Think about life in America 50 or 100 years ago; most would not have considered the killing of innocent babies in their Mother's womb as a constitutional right. Further, most would have been shocked to see those with alternative lifestyles marching proudly down the streets sometimes exhibiting vile behavior in front of children. Yet, the things that used to be considered right are now deemed wrong and the things thought morally wrong are now considered right. This is an example of what it means to live in a crooked and perverse nation.
Our response to this perversion and crookedness is to live blameless and harmless. The 1599 Geneva Bible notes explains this verse as follows: "To be short, he requires a life without fault, and pure, so that being enlightened with the word of God, they may shine in the darkness of this world." We must live our lives above the perverseness. It can be done; it must be done.
Today, recognize that you live in a crooked and perverse nation. That recognition will encourage you to walk as He walked. It is not an option, it is a command. There are many that claim to be in the body of Christ and live like the devil. They are deceived; they are part of the perverseness. Our duty is to confront sin as God opens the door and speak truth. That will be a light to the darkness around you.
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