Complaining and Arguing

Good Day,

Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV)
Do everything without complaining or arguing, 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 as you hold out the word of life...

I read this verse today and it made me wonder why I often don't FEEL blameless and pure, let alone like a star in the universe. I have to admit that I'm bothered by this. Then, I read the verse again, paying attention to all of it, and especially the first few words. Paul told the Philippians..."so that..." Now, when there's a "so that" it is evident that something comes before those words. That's the part here that bothers me, you see. What bothers me is that I'm often not doing what comes before the "so that" in order that I "may become blameless and pure...without fault...in which (I) shine like a star in the universe."

The reason I don't feel as I think I should? Simply because I'm not doing "everything without complaining or arguing."

Does this ring a bell with you? Do you feel a bit of a tug on your heart? Do these words sort of bother you a bit?

It pains me to admit these kinds of things. That's because, as I see it, I'm sinning when I don't adhere to what God has had written for me throughout the Bible. So my complaining and arguing about this and that (which are usually not WORTH complaining and arguing about!) my behavior is sinful. Now, I know that I'm not alone in this and that there are many otherwise very good Christians who have a similar challenge in how they go about their normal, daily activities.

Let me give you an example. I've been volunteering with an organization that picks up bread and produce from grocery stores and major bakeries and distributes that food to people who find themselves in need. You'd think that doing this would be a joyful and happy experience. After all, I'm helping people, right? For the most part that is exactly how it is...joyful and happy. However, there have been more and more moments when there are things that bother me (read here PEOPLE who bother me) in some way...rudeness, uncleanliness, language, not caring about others, etc., etc., etc...and my attitude has been anything BUT without complaining and arguing. Now, my complaining and arguing cannot change what is bothering me in any way at all, so my complaining and arguing only hurt me and those close around me to whom I vent my feelings. You see what I mean here? An activity that I've chosen to do in order that I might help those in need and which ought to be truly joyful is sometimes becoming difficult and causing me to sin by my attitude about other people's behavior.

Again, I'll ask: Does this ring a bell...maybe even just a little bit?

The answer to this challenge for those of us who suffer with it? Well, first of all, doing what I'm doing. That would be to admit to yourself (myself) and others who you (I) trust that there is a problem going on. Okay. You've read my part. Then, you (I) have to give it over to God and let Him deal with you (me).

It's easy to complain when things don't go well or when we see something that isn't quite right. It's easy to argue when we think that we're right about something and someone else is so obviously wrong. However, these things...arguing and complaining...are tools of the enemy to try to steal our joy and take our happiness away from ministering to God's people. It isn't very easy to see it, though, as it becomes habitual and we don't even notice it. Well, until God sends along a verse of Scripture that speaks directly to what's going on in our lives.

We should be so glad He does!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David