“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
In today’s Scripture, Paul commands believers to “do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Seriously, Paul? Everything? Paul was writing to group of believers who were facing enormous hardships—and the temptation to murmur must have been great. But writing from jail himself, he wanted them to catch a bigger picture. He wanted the Christ followers to showcase the power of God to those lost in darkness. Nothing makes a scornful, cynical world sit up and take notice of God more than when it observes believers actually rejoicing in their hardships, without a hint of complaint. When we behave in this way, we shine like stars in the sky. Think of how complaints or grumbling may have diminished your witness to those around you. You will shine like a star in a dark world today as you put behind you any murmurings, disparaging comments, or negative communication.
Reflect:
Read Philippians 2:14–15. Who have you known in your life whose speech and treatment of others shines brightly, pointing to Christ? What do you most want to emulate about his or her example?
Pray:
Think about ways recently complained or argued; confess those behaviors to God and ask him to help you change your behavior.