There is a Greek word used only twice in the New Testament that I want to share with you for your edification, and as an exhortation to confession.
In Revelation 21:11, John saw the Bride of the Lamb, and she had a radiance shining as crystal. The Greek word for “radiance” is φωστήρ. It seems to be a compound word made in combination of fos – light and astar – star, perhaps even starlight. That is bright.
The only other use of the word is in Philippians 2:15, which continues a command beginning in verse 14.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings, that (you) may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom (you) shine as lights in the world (KJV)
The phrase “shine as lights” includes a verb for appear and a comparative conjunction and then φωστήρ, “lights” or “stars” (NIV) or a note in the NASB: “luminaries.”
Christian, you are the light of the cosmos. You are the radiance of the glory of God in the world. And according to the apostle Paul, being luminaries means more than just being smart, and being the best at shining a light on all that is wrong (with grumbling and questioning). The sort of divine luminaries Paul describes are brilliant at not complaining and their thanks is un-eclipsed.
The glory of God in man (includes) gratefulness. This makes it clear why ungodliness and unrighteousness include unthankfulness (Romans 1:18, 21).
I accidentally misread a whiteboard in one of my classes last week. It was supposed to be Presentations, but I didn’t notice the first lette. I read it as Resentations, and that is too fitting for the twisted generation we live in. But remember, as there is no honor among thieves, there is no glory among ingrates.