Without Arguing and Complaining

Without Arguing or Complaining

Philippians 2:14-18

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. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

               This scripture hits upon an area I think may be a real weak point among many of us.  Many of us don’t have to reflect much to remember the strife and arguing with our family and spouses, perhaps others as well.  Many of us are so stressed out, keyed up and agitated that we would bark at anything that would press our buttons or look at us the wrong way.  No one can usually press your buttons more than family.  As a result, many of our homes are filled with tension, arguing and strife.  We are often missing the will and higher intents of the Lord in these areas.  I know, I probably don’t understand the situation, but God does.  He is our peace.  He is our love.  He is our longsuffering, patience and forbearance.   Many of us have gotten in such a habit of just letting our emotions rip whenever we get agitated, irritated and angry that we just go off on those around us, giving little thought to what we are planting with our words of anger.  Obviously, we all have differences that need to be addressed and dealt with, but our anger, complaining and arguing aren’t the resolution, they are only the vent of our frustrations.  The problem isn’t always entirely with the person getting angry, often times we are guilty of provoking anger by our insensitive actions, words, deeds or misdeeds.  So, can we come together to listen and resolve our issues in the spirit of peace, letting the love of Christ rule and moderate in our hearts? 

               What is it about our complaining?  Complaining is like a dripping faucet that you can’t shut off. It wears on you.  What is worse, it is a cancer to our faith, for it focuses and dwells on the negative and always looks at what isn’t rather than what is.  Complaining and arguing are counter-productive to our faith and walk in Christ.  The apostle Paul is communicating to us that if this thing is prevalent in our lives, then we need a change of attitude, because this doesn’t complement our Christian walk and lives.  Paul is saying we are called to be something different than what is typical of the world.  We are to stand out and shine like stars in the universe.  A star can’t shine very brightly if it is always consumed with arguing and complaint.  It’s light, the Christ, is hidden from view.  It becomes like the moon, a reflection of its surroundings rather than a source of light and warmth. 

               The reality is that all our lives will hold elements of adversity, trials and obstacles to overcome.  Rather than becoming just one who reacts to our circumstances, we must choose our actions and our attitudes.  We are the stars that hold out the Word of Life to a dark, crooked and depraved world.  They must see in us something that they don’t see in themselves or the world around them.  There must be a joy, optimism and purpose that shines through even in the midst of adverse circumstances. 

               When Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown in prison, they had every reason to be angry, mad and complain.  Instead they chose to sing hymns and songs of praise.  Which attitude rocked their world of darkness, which attitude brought salvation and blessing?  Maybe a lot of us need attitude adjustments today and to repent of those areas in our lives we’ve let the flesh and emotions rule.  We make choices and if Christ is alive and filling our hearts and minds, those choices are a lot easier to make, for then is He our strength and our righteousness.  Be the star and the outshining of God’s glory for which He has called and purposed you to be.  Let the peace and love of God rule in your hearts and minds.  Let this same mind be in you that is in Christ Jesus.

Blessings,

#kent

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