Yes, I am still contemplating Philippians 2. I have been reading other portions of scripture as well, but Philippians 2 is loaded, and God has been smacking me every morning with a new thought from it. This was what I meditated on yesterday.
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16
This is the culmination of following the example of Christ being a servant, not complaining or arguing. I can be so selfish! It is very easy to get frustrated when things don’t go my way, because (of course) my way is the best way!! (I am totally being facetious.) But our human minds and emotions let Satan whisper that thought in our ears. “Do ALL things without grumbling or disputing.” No matter what He is asking me to do, I need to do it without grumbling.
Complaining and arguing can be very divisive, and I have personally seen and experienced the results of someone complaining about something. It is not pleasant. And, unfortunately, the unsaved world sees those same results. Verses 15-16 goes on to explain that the reason we are not to complain is that the world is watching. We are His light to them, and if we are letting selfishness divide us, why would they want to join? Why would they want what we have? Christians can be very mean to each other, expecting the other to “take it in love.”
I am challenged to be more aware of every response that I have. It is not about me. It is all about Him.
Lord, I want to be Your light to the world. Use me in whatever way You desire. Put situations in my life that challenge me to be more like You, and to respond like You would.
