“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Philippians 2:14-16a

When you become a Christian, a Christ follower, a child of God, you become a member of God’s family. You are still a part of your earthly family, but now you also belong to God’s family. You are God’s child, too, and that means there are lots of people in your new family, all over the world. Cool!

Did you ever go out at night and look up at all the shining stars in the sky? It is one of my favorite things to do, even on a cold winter evening. I look at the different constellations. I can pick out the big dipper and the little dipper and Orion’s belt. But I really just enjoy star gazing because they are so beautiful, placed by God on the fourth day of the creation of the world.

Paul tells us in the above verse, that as God’s children we are to act a certain way; no grumbling or arguing and to get along with other people. We are to try to be like Jesus by being loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled (the fruits of the spirit).  Then we will shine like the stars in the sky for all the world to see. Just like people enjoy gazing up at the stars, people will look at you as a shining star, God’s child.

But being like Jesus is really hard, not just for kids, but for everyone. We are human and we don’t always act the way we should. We let our emotions get in the way. We get mad or hurt and we forget to be kind or gentle or control ourselves. We are human, not perfect. But when we do choose to be like Jesus, then we really shine!

This week choose just one time (to start with) to be kind or loving or patient with someone else and see what happens. Be a shining star for God’s family. I will share my “one time” from today.

I sometimes get mad at my dogs even though I know I shouldn’t. But sometimes I feel like R.E. does things just because it annoys me (even though I know dogs aren’t like that). But I am mad now. So … I wait just a minute. And instead of my normal yelling, I kneel down and call him over gently. And instead of ignoring me or running away, he comes! R.E. saw a shining star instead of a “meanie.”

Share with your mom and dad your “one time.” If it didn’t work out like you thought it would, don’t give up, try again in another situation. You are a shining star!

Blessings as you shine like a star in God’s family!