Scripture: Philippians 2: 14-16
14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. (NIV)
14-16Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing. (The Message)
Observation: We can choose to not take the easy way.
Application: It is so easy to complain. So easy. We can complain about the weather (it's too hot/it's too cold), we can complain about our homes (Why can't you clean up your socks?!/ How many times have I told you not to leave dirty dishes on the counter?!/ If only I had ____ in my house, then I'd be happy), we can complain about our spouse, our children, our job, our vehicle, our figures, our income, our lacks and our dislikes. It's so easy to compare, to want, to be unsatisfied. I think to be unsatisfied is the root of complaining.
Media feeds our desire to be unhappy with what we have and it is easy to conform to the ways of the world and to grumble and argue about what we don't have or how life is not fair. It's so easy to get sucked into conversations that are negative and bitter. We, as Christians, are called to rise above this. It is our example to be content and cheerful that draws others to God. When we act in a way that rejoices in the blessings that we have through Christ, it is so cross cultural and it makes people question what it is that you have that produces such a positive and attractive glow. It reminds me of this song by the Newsboys:
The course goes like this:
Shine
Make 'em wonder what you've got
Make 'em wish that they were not
On the outside looking bored
Shine
Let it shine before all men
Let'em see good works, and then
Let 'em glorify the Lord
Make 'em wonder what you've got
Make 'em wish that they were not
On the outside looking bored
Shine
Let it shine before all men
Let'em see good works, and then
Let 'em glorify the Lord
When need to act in a way that makes people wonder what we have in our life that makes us act so different. When we go against what is easy (complaining!) and instead choose to "do everything without grumbling or complaining" we will shine and stand out. Let our "mouth tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge." (Psalm 71:15)
Prayer: Lord, You are sovereign over all things. Thank you for giving us the ability to choose to be lights in a dark world. We often struggle with contentment and it is so easy to complain. Remind us about the bountiful blessings that You pour out on us each day. Let our example shine for others to draw them to You. Amen.
2 comments:
Excellent post; thank you! Those verses in Philippians stood out to me, too, and also the one that said to consider not only your own interests but the interests of others.
Do everything without complaining or arguing. Great verse to teach our kids - and ourselves!!
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