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"Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us
mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk
so as ye have us for an ensample" (Phil. 3: 16, 17).
Once again Paul uses the Greek tupos and we should regard him as our pattern, and
run the heavenly race as he did.
In Phil. 2: 12 Paul urges, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling". He
encourages them by adding, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of
His good pleasure", and that they should shine as lights in the world. The margin gives
the alternative, "shine ye as lights ...". The whole verse reads:
"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;"
(Phil. 2: 15).
In Matt. 5: 14-16, in the course of the sermon on the mount, Christ told His disciples
that they were the light of the world: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (16). The truth that
believers should shine as lights in the world extends to all, and is not restricted to one
dispensation. It is "basic truth".
What manner of persons should we be? What difference does it make if Christ dwells
in our hearts by faith? We are like lamps, carrying the light. Surely if we are light
bearers, at least a glimmer of that light should show in our personality! If we are
conformed to "the image of His Son", we should in some measure reflect the image of
our Lord (Rom. 8: 29). Are we living so close to our Lord and Saviour, and our Head,
that those who meet us "take knowledge" that we are Christians?