HOW TO BE A STAR

Php. 2:14-15

 

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure,
children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation,
in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life . . .”

 

Everybody remembers the 1970’s musical/opera/movie Jesus Christ Superstar.  It was wildly popular and, at the same time, highly controversial.  A lot of Christians were initially offended by the title . . . “Superstar” indeed!  Still, His name IS above every other name.  He is the only example we have of a truly godly person.  He is the One we must follow and obey and honor and trust.  I’m not sure that Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber really understood it, but Jesus Christ IS the hero of history. 
 
If we are to be like Jesus, we need to be stars too.  Not THE star, but at least those who, like Jesus, stand out from the crowd.  And not because of our good looks or great athletic or theatrical ability, but because of our extraordinary obedience and faithfulness; because of our sacrificial love for God and for His church; because of our purity and integrity. 
 
Paul wrote a letter to the church in Philippi in which he stressed the need for unity of spirit.  He was writing to believers, but they were believers with problems that were keeping them from being successful as ministers of the gospel.  To put it plainly, they were acting like unbelievers.  They were putting themselves first instead of putting the cause of Christ first.  He reminds them that, if they want to be stars like Jesus was a star, they’ll have to do it the same way Jesus did; without complaining or arguing.  "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."   It is when believers display that attitude that they look like children of God.  It is as the church goes about the work of ministry without grumbling and argument that it shines forth in a crooked and depraved world.  
 
It is good to be reminded from time to time that our purpose is to glorify God and to be about the work of enabling others to glorify God.  So let’s be superstars at holding out the Word of life!

--- Pastor Keith Andrews