Don't Complain! Shine like Stars!

On April 18th, the lesson was on Philippians 2:12-18. “Do everything without complaining or arguing....Shine like stars in the universe.”

Two groups chose to rewrite the drama that we imagined took place at the Church at Philippi. The situation: after Christian worship services at the river bank, Lydia’s family members always finish the figs and baklava, leaving nothing for anyone else. Our groups kept in mind Philippians 2:14 “Do all things without murmuring and arguing” as they rewrote the scene.

Group 1’s rewrite went something like this:

Lydia: I apologize for my children’s behavior. (to her children) Kids! Come here. We need to have a little talk. (to the other adults) I apologize again.

Phoebe: I noticed that Joe stays up all night. Maybe we could give him some help. I also noticed that the figs and baklava go first. Why don’t we leave out the fish and seawood crunchies.

Lydia: Yes, I think we should do away with those, and get more figs and baklava. Everybody vote!

Group 2’s rewrite:

Joe: Lydia amazes me, with so many children to take care of, and so many needs. Man, I just know how hard it is to care for my family.

Rick: I’ve got two kids, and it’s hard; she must have 20 kids. I don’t know how she does it.

Joe: Hey, listen. I know we’ve got a lot of things going on, but why don’t we ask how we can help. You and your wife can take some kids, and I can take some, also.

Rick: Hey Lydia, we don’t have as much on our plate – can we give you a hand while your husband is away?

Lydia: Can you believe how nice Joe and Rick are – they have so much to do already, and here they are offering to help me out!

Phoebe: They are an inspiration to me. I realize that I need to help you out more.

Lydia: Maybe there’s some way I can also help others. There is a lot of food here. Maybe we can share it with some other families.

* * * * *

Two groups chose to make a list of how our church has worked to try to shine like a star in a dark place.

Group 3’s list:

- the day care center

- preschool

-youth ministry

- serving the meal at the men’s shelter

- Food Bank

- Bible studies

- evangelism and community outreach

- Vacation Bible School.

- Malawi partnership

- Habitat for Humanity

- Youth Ministry Counseling Center

- message board

- welcoming worship services

- contemporary worship service

- web site

- music ministry

- Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Group 4 listed most of the above and also listed:

- sent people to help with reconstruction after Hurricane Katrina

- sent money to help with rebuilding Haiti after earthquake

- Homestead, Florida- our youth helped to repair

- youth work camps