“…in order to be sincere and blameless…” (Phil. 1:10)

As His love overflows, and discernment focuses our walk, we must stay clean and up-to-date in our walk with the Father. We must be dedicated to lives of integrity.

The word sincere means to be “judged by the sunlight.” In Paul’s day, this word was used to describe vessels that were without wax.

A dishonest businessman would use wax seeking to cover up a flaw in a damaged vessel and sell it as if it were “sincere.” An unsuspecting buyer might be deceived in a dimly lit shop and make a bad purchase. A wise buyer would ask to take the vessel to the light of the sun and examine it carefully.
In the sunlight, he would discover the hidden flaw.

God sees everything…even the things that we think are in the darkness, are open to His sight:

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” (Heb 4:13)

But He is not the only one watching—our lives are under scrutiny every day. Those without Christ are looking at us. They want to see if we really believe what we are professing. That’s why Paul prayed that they would be:

“sincere AND blameless”

“Blameless” means without stumbling or offense. It doesn’t mean that we have never done wrong—all have sinned. It doesn’t mean that we will always live perfect lives! It does mean that when we do wrong, we seek to make it right. It means that we don’t leave things undone and therefore become a stumbling block to those who need to see Christ.

We want to be the kind of people that God can use for His glory. So, we step over into the light; ask God to examine our lives; and, we quickly confess sin when He points it out to us. He can heal our broken testimony. He can heal the flaws of sin.

Make this your prayer today:

Father, let Your love overflow in my life. Focus my walk with discernment. I will confess any sin that Your light reveals. I don’t want my life to hinder anyone from seeing Jesus. I want to be a vessel that You can use for Your glory. I pray this prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.