Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.
Philippians 2:14-16 NLT
We live in a culture of complaining. It’s normal (even expected) for everyone to complain about how tired and overworked they are. It’s common for wives to complain about their husbands and children, single people to complain about dating, widows and empty-nesters to complain about being alone. When it’s cold we complain about the cold; when it’s hot we grumble that it’s too hot. So often the weather is never right, circumstances could always be better, and the grass is seemingly lush and green everywhere but beneath our own two feet.
We also live in a culture of arguing. From politicians at every level to professional athletes in the middle of a game, from school board meetings to social media comment threads — the shouting and name calling is deafening. We live under the assumption that the louder you are and more talking points you have, the better chance you have to win the argument (and isn’t coming out on top no matter the cost the point of it all? or so culture screams).
This isn’t new information.
But it’s worth stating because the contrast to our call as Christians is glaring.
Paul exhorts the Philippians with words we desperately need two-thousand years later: “Do everything without complaining and arguing . . . Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
The way of culture is not the way of Christ.
The constant flood of arguments and complaints have settled over us like dark, relentless clouds. This is why God wants us to live another way! So we can shine like bright lights! So our lives can point others to the light of Christ.
So how do we break free from the patterns of culture? “Hold firmly to the word of life.”
God’s Word is the only thing that can truly light our paths and tame our tongues — for our good and His glory.
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This is exactly how I returned to God: inspired by His love and light and my need to shine it in the world of division and darkness!!
Oh my! How right you are! Here’s to believers who are standing strong on the word of God. That’s the only way we can make it today. It reminds me of the Children’s song… The B I B L E. Yes, that’s the book for me. I stand alone on the word of God. The B I B L E.
Amen and amen!!!! Help me Lord to be the reason someone finds hope in You today!
AMEN, Shar! We definitely need to be the light in the darkness through our words and actions.
I’m horrible about complaining….
Words of wisdom for sure. Thanks.
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! Sitting here at my desk waiting for my coffee pot to fill up… grumbling and grumbling because my husband didn’t turn it on, instead he used the kerig! I soooo need to read these beautiful words this morning.
Thank you thank you for sharing God’s words. Words to light me up. Light up MY words and mood and morning.
I am now filled with the gratefulness of my blessings…and a filled coffee pot!
Thank you sisters. Have a blessed day \0/
Thank you for writing this. It was a timely reminder for me.
Yes we can grumble about so many things and we should be more thankful. Like be thankful for every day God wakes us up to enjoy another day in his Beautiful world. Even if find things hard to do. If we pray and ask God for help we can do them. God will give us the strength to do them. Love today’s reading. As someone says The B.I.B.L.E that’s the book for ME. How true that is. It is the book for us as believers. Especially if going through hard thing to do. There are scriptures in it to help us through them along with our prayers. God Holy Spirit speaking to us. We can get through them. Love today’s reading a good reminder of no matter how hard it is we can get through know God helped us get through it love Dawn Ferguson-Little xx
AMEN. Such a powerful sharing.
What a great reminder not to follow the ways of this world. Yes, as believers to lead lives that is pleasing to the LORD.
Only with the help of the Holy Spirt, can I do anything that is different from this world. I’ve learned that it must be intentional, through prayer and empowerment, that as a believer, I can try my best to live according to the WORD of GOD.
In Courage,
I’m one of the world’s best to complain. With age comes wisdom & the realization that everyone has complaints of some kind. Volunteering also shows me how blessed I am. God has given me more than I could ever ask for. I may have aches & pains, weather may not suit me, & my job may not be what I would like. Unlike so many my medical issues are minor & the weather here will change soon plus I have a good job that allows me three (3) days off every week. Just turn my eyes off the world & back onto Jesus & my perspective will change quickly. Break my cycle of complaining. Going to listen to Christian praise music, read my Bible & listen to preachers.
Blessings 🙂
I had a day today. I tried to turn down the volume in my head, but it was hard. I found myself grumbling and that isn’t what I normally do. I try to let the negativity flow away from me like a river.
Thank you for sending out this message, I feel better already.
The words I needed today.