Oct. 31, 2009 - Living Philippians 2:14
Philippians 2:14-16 "14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing."
God has really been dealing with me about this passage for the past 6 months or so. He has gently pointed out every time that I complain about ANYTHING. It seems that I can't complain anymore and "get away" with it. The Holy Spirit is right on top of me. I am so thankful though because I have discovered that the act of complaining can really affect your whole attitude. Just as the act of gratefulness/thankfulness can also change your whole attitude.
Unfortunately, I am also much more aware of others who complain as well. I have been somewhat shocked and disappointed at how often people who claim to be "in Christ" complain about practically everything.
It is not only a bad testimony and witness as a Christian, but also affects their attitudes and the attitudes of those around them. Complaining seems to breed more complaining.
Let's look at the Scripture and see WHY God wants us to "do everything without complaining."
It says if you don't complain and argue, you are "blameless and pure...without fault" in a generation/culture that is "crooked and depraved." Basically, our culture is full of godless complainers. When we live differently by NOT complaining, we "shine like stars." That means, BOY do we stand out as being different.
"As you hold out the word of life" or basically, walk out your Christian walk...you will be able to say that you "did not run or labor for nothing." You can destroy your Christian testimony by complaining. If you share Jesus with somebody, but complain about anything and everything, it will not draw them to the Savior that you claim to follow. On the other hand, if you share Jesus and truly show a good attitude, thankfulness and a non-complaining attitude as you "shine like stars", others WILL notice and want what you have.
I challenge you to ask God to hold you accountable in the area of complaining. Not just in your speech, but in your emails and everything you type online. You will notice those around you complaining less, and you will also notice a change in your attitude. I promise.
I challenge you to ask God to hold you accountable in the area of complaining. Not just in your speech, but in your emails and everything you type online. You will notice those around you complaining less, and you will also notice a change in your attitude. I promise.
In closing, the Message Bible puts it this way:
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. "
So go on out there and be a "Breath of fresh air" to this "polluted society!"
Comments
Oct. 31, 2009 - Well Said!
Posted by independenteasel
Wow, that was good stuff! You never realize how much you complain about things until you stop and hear yourself! I totally need to work on that! Thanks!
Nov. 8, 2009 - Good Post!
Posted by Anonymous
To 'add on' if you don't mind is the FBers you claim God in one post and then posts about vampires, horoscopes, etc. in the next post - we as FBers need to be cautious NOT to be hypocrits too.
