“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, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain” (Titus 2:14-16).
Jed and Al worked on a furniture delivery truck. Jed knew the Lord, but Al surely did not. How different were their lifestyles. Al complained about everything. He privately boasted about lying on his tax return. His mouth needed a good washing with soap. On the other hand, though Jed was far from perfect, he had such a sweet attitude. Never did he complain that the furniture was too heavy, the truck too uncomfortable, the wages too small, the hours too long, the boredom too great. All of these things were daily complaints of Al. The day came when in the warehouse the manager said, “Jed, you and Al are about as opposite as can be. I almost hate to send you out with him. I’d rather keep you right here with the guys and myself. What’s with you?” What a great opportunity for Jed to share the wonderful life-changing gospel with the manager. Jed was shining, as it were, as a light in a very dark corner of the world. By the way he was living for Christ, his life was a tremendous testimony of God’s grace.
For today: We must ask ourselves if we are living like Jed or like Al. The world of unbelievers is watching. With the Lord’s help, may we live as a shining light in this very dark world.