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... Philippians 2:14-16
The fast food restaurant didn't get your order right. You asked off for vacation, but at the last minute, your boss said you had to work. Your book order was delivered two days late.
Complaints.
Your family doesn't get along with their family because of a big fight a few years ago. You didn't see the call the way the referee did. You don't interpret a scripture the way someone else does.
Arguments.
And at the root of both? Anger.
Paul has a really good reason he calls us to not get pulled in to complaining and arguing.
It severely damages our witness.
Our call is to be shining stars in a dark world that lives without the hope of Christ. And we can't do that if we let anger lead us.
What are your thoughts on this reading?
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Hey Rick, before I give you my comments, I have a correction for you. the Scripture verse comes from Philippians 2:14-16, not Ephesians 2:14-16. Now with that being said, on to my comments on this passage. My thoughts are complaning does nothing but makes us just "talk loudly and say nothing." This passage also makes me think that I don't want to do anything that would give me discontent with being in and doing God's will. Arguing and complaining will do nothing but make you feel like you're turning others off all the while were called to be "salt and light"(Matthew 5:14-16). If all we do is just complain and not do anything to change things, we as believers are nothing but just hot air. Live life to the full, be gracious and humble, and remember to shine like the stars in the universe that we are supposed to be to this world.
ReplyDeleteA great companion passage for today's verse is Gal. 5:13-26. In verse 19, enmities, strife, outbursts of anger, dissensions, and factions are all listed as deeds of the flesh, clear markers that a person is not fit for the kingdom.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, in verse 22, "...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,..."
That's so cool since this is a holiday weekend about freedom, whereas true freedom comes only in a relationship with Christ. Good contrast between light and darkness. Sinful nature vs. the Holy Spirit.
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