Paul uses a phrase in Philippians 1:10, “that you may be sincere.” The word used for “sincere” here is an interesting word: eilikrinēs.
This comes from Greek words that mean “the sun’s rays” and “judge”. When compounded it takes on the meaning “judged by sunlight” or “that which is judged in sunshine.”
As Paul’s eyes grew dim, with age and the problems that persisted in his life, he realized the necessity of having a good light to examine a subject. In using this Greek word in this way he wanted to impart to the reader an essential quality of a Christian – we should not have anything that we want or need to hide.
By implication a saint should stand up to the scrutiny of light, and when focused on us, we should come out as a shining example. It is our calling, as we walk in this way, to persistently remove the spots of darkness within our character.
God is light (1 John 1:5; ), and Christ will help us expose the areas that we need to work on by the light (compare Ephesians 5:13-14). As a help “the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light” (compare Proverbs 6:23). Through these and with the help of the power of God that “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13), this can and will be accomplished. As a begotten son of God, Jesus admonished us in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
As we come out of this spiritually high time of the year and go back into the world, we can continue to move forward with the momentum gained during the Fall festival season. And if we are complete in our effort to do what has been set before us, then we too can become a light of the world, shining through our good works, glorifying our Father (compare Matthew 5:14, 16) and walking sincerely in the hope of our calling.
