Philippians 2: 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so 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
Oftentimes in life there are multipliers, dividers, and things that either subtract from or add to the quality of life that we live. The blessings of God multiply the quality of life of the believer. The isms (racism, sexism and classism) divide people and separate us one from another. Strong relationships with God, family and friends add meaning to life. Complaining and arguing subtract from anything and everything that is good in life. When we complain and argue we take our focus off what is good and put all of our attention on what is not. We immediately take away the positive and replace it with a negative. I have seen people who get something that they have prayed for and then complain about it. How many things have you asked God for and God gave you what you asked for and you have in the past or are now complaining about it? By the way it would be no problem for God to take you back to where you once were before He blessed you. Complaining and arguing do not sound grateful in God’s ear. What God hears is us saying “I really don’t like what you are doing in my life and I take issue with the way you are doing it too. If I were in control of things I would do it differently.” When we complain and argue it doesn't’t please God because we don’t stand out in the world we blend in with it. The world is always complaining and is never grateful or thankful for what God is doing in their life at that moment. In these two verses of scripture we are challenged to do EVERYTHING without complaining or arguing that we might become blameless and pure children of God, in which we would shine like stars in the universe. This only comes when we begin to be thankful not ungrateful.
Start shining by:
1. Being Thankful to God for ALL Things - Remember that even in tough times it is good to thank God. In those tough times we see ourselves and it is a great time for growth and lessons to help us get better in areas that we often need improvement. Also keep in mind that it could always be worse than it is for you at that moment.
2. Stop Complaining and Arguing It Accomplishes Nothing Positive - These two actions only bring about negative feelings followed by destructive actions. When we do these we only subtract from the quality of life for ourselves and those around us. Stop it! No more sighing, no more rolling our eyes, no more murmuring under our breath and no more taking issue with what God is doing or what we created by our choices. God sees and hears it all.
3. Let the World Know who you are a Child of - Your thankfulness stands out. When we are thankful and not complaining it shows an allegiance to God that defies human logic. It is not logical to be thankful in tough times, but it is biblical to be so. When others see that you are always grateful to God for whatever God is doing in your life then your relationship with God will shine before others.
Challenge:
Every time you want to complain and argue stop and use that time and energy to be thankful and grateful for what God has already done, is doing and what you believe God will do in your life.
