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Love For All – Week 44
Philippians 2:14-16
Do everything without grumbling or arguing.
You can do that, right?
In this week’s scripture from Philippians 2, this command from Paul to the Philippians seems straightforward. Paul writes:
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”
Philippians 2:14-16
Don’t complain. Don’t whine. Don’t grumble.
Yet, when one holds this command up against the greater story of the Bible, they can see that humanity has always struggled with grumbling (and even now).
The Israelites are freed from bondage of slavery and the moment things get tough they grumble.
The Israelites watch God provide food, water, and provision for them time and time again and still they complain and turn to false Gods.
Jonah is asked to evangelize and yet grumbles about the lack of justice served to the people of Nineveh.
Even Jesus’ own disciples grumble and argue amongst one another about who will be most valued in heaven.
Grumbling is human nature. Paul recognizes this. In fact, in this very same letter to the Philippians, Paul goes as far as to rejoice in his suffering and find value in his imprisonment. He goes out of his way to not focus on his misfortunes, but rather to shine light on the fortune of Christ. He shows us that following Jesus doesn’t mean giving in to our human nature, but instead living out His kingdom nature – shining His light, rejoicing, despite the circumstance.
Shine Like Stars
When we grumble, we reject joy. Grumbling puts us and our own expectations above the purposes of God. Instead, Paul gives believers this challenge, “do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Do everything. Make each part of your day an act of worship. Make each breath, every intention, each movement, an act that shines the light of Jesus like a star.
So, this week, take this challenge, find ways to shine the light of Jesus in those mundane situations that cause grumbles and complaint. Do everything to God’s glory.
As you consider this scripture and reflect this week, respond to the following questions:
1. Why do you think Paul starts off with a command to not grumble? What are areas of your life that you are prone to complain?
2. What mundane actions or tasks in your daily life can you instead see as an act of worship this week? Take action to approach these tasks differently than you normally do and see what happens.