Learning to Not Sweat the Small Stuff

In review of Philippians 2:14-15a it says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that no one can criticize you.”

Bottom Line:

Do everything without complaining and grumbling, be blameless in your actions, then no one can criticize you. If you do, you will become an example of God’s children, shining like bright starts in a world filled with crooked and sinful people.

What this means to me:

I am to do everything without complaining or grumbling, being blameless, pure and without fault, so that no one can criticize me. I am God’s child without fault who can shine as a bright light in a world full of crooked and mean people. However, If I’m not careful, I can fret over small stuff in my life. It’s a hard habit to break because I can be negative by nature. Starting with Adam and Eve, as humans we have been blaming, excusing and accusing. We excuse our own mistakes but then accuse others for their mistakes and more. Many even blame others for the problems in their lives. However, Philippians 2:14-15a says this: “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that no one can criticize you” (NLT). This may be one of the most difficult verses in the Bible. From what I’m learning, there are four types of complainers:

. First are the whiners. You can get up in the morning and say, “Good morning, Lord!” but whiners choose instead to say, “Good Lord, it’s morning!”

. Second are the martyrs. Their favorite expression is, “Nobody appreciates me!” They’re pros at throwing pity parties. They pout and complain when they don’t get their way.

. Third are the cynics. Their attitude is, “Why bother? It isn’t going to make any difference.” They poison everything.

. Fourth are the perfectionists. Nothing is ever good enough for these complainers. Their favorite phrase is, “Is that the best you can do?”

Ultimately in Matthew 12:36 it says: “Everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (NIV). I should reflect on how many times I have complained, whined, or argued about something when in reality I shouldn’t have been “sweating the small stuff.” As I reflect on this, I believe that most of the time this “sweating the small stuff” comes from work related items. I am always concerned about how my team is perceived and not wanting to have any problems. I always want to be seen as a team who has it all together. So today, I want to learn to not sweat the small stuff. Instead I will, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God bring problems to help train and grow me. I should be thankful for God’s care about me and his wanting to train me.