Philippians 2:14
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation...
Grumbling or complaining is a sin all of us have and will have to deal with in life. In fact, it's so common among us that many times we think of it as absolutely unavoidable; we think that it is part of being human. But for us Christian, whether we struggle with this deeply, or have it fairly well mastered, we need to take it very seriously and work hard to overcome it every single day of our lives.
On earth, the mission for every Christian life is to shine the glory of God in the darkness that all might see it. But when we grumble, that mission is hindered and our ability to shine His light is weakened. But why is this so? Why does grumbling or complaining inflict such a severe wound on our witnessing? When it comes down the root, it's because the world is seeing that we're acting like Jesus isn't enough.
Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
This verse is setting forth the attitude that no matter what goes wrong here on earth, the pain and suffering is not even worth comparing to how wonderful it will be at last to see our Savior face to face. When we live like this passage is true - live like it's really true - nothing in this world can drag us down; we are so focused on how wonderful that day will be that none of these scars grab our attention. It's like how the song How He Loves says, "All of a sudden I am unaware of these affliction eclipsed by glory, and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great Your affections are for me." When we really, truly, authentically live like this passage is true, we no longer have anything to complain about because our horizon is so lit with the light of hope we can't even see all these afflictions around us.
So if we truly want shine the light of Jesus Christ to all the nations, we have to leave all this grumbling and complaining behind. We have to turn our eyes to Jesus, and when we do that, none of these little things will matter. Let's choose a life of joy filled thankfulness over a life of joyless complaint.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation...
Grumbling or complaining is a sin all of us have and will have to deal with in life. In fact, it's so common among us that many times we think of it as absolutely unavoidable; we think that it is part of being human. But for us Christian, whether we struggle with this deeply, or have it fairly well mastered, we need to take it very seriously and work hard to overcome it every single day of our lives.
On earth, the mission for every Christian life is to shine the glory of God in the darkness that all might see it. But when we grumble, that mission is hindered and our ability to shine His light is weakened. But why is this so? Why does grumbling or complaining inflict such a severe wound on our witnessing? When it comes down the root, it's because the world is seeing that we're acting like Jesus isn't enough.
Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
This verse is setting forth the attitude that no matter what goes wrong here on earth, the pain and suffering is not even worth comparing to how wonderful it will be at last to see our Savior face to face. When we live like this passage is true - live like it's really true - nothing in this world can drag us down; we are so focused on how wonderful that day will be that none of these scars grab our attention. It's like how the song How He Loves says, "All of a sudden I am unaware of these affliction eclipsed by glory, and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great Your affections are for me." When we really, truly, authentically live like this passage is true, we no longer have anything to complain about because our horizon is so lit with the light of hope we can't even see all these afflictions around us.
So if we truly want shine the light of Jesus Christ to all the nations, we have to leave all this grumbling and complaining behind. We have to turn our eyes to Jesus, and when we do that, none of these little things will matter. Let's choose a life of joy filled thankfulness over a life of joyless complaint.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.