My Attitude Matters Greatly

In review of Philippians 2:14 it says, “Do all things without complaining and disputing.”

Bottom Line:

Do everything without grumbling or arguing

What this means to me:

In everything I’m involved in or do, I’m too not complain or argue.

Today's passage comes from Philippians 2 where Paul is telling us how to shine brightly for Christ. He reminds me to work hard to show the results of my salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in me, giving me the desire and power to do what pleases him. I am to do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize me. I am to live a clean, innocent live as a child of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. I am to hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work and influence was not useless.

So what do I do when I don't feel like obeying? God has not left me alone in my struggles to do his will. He wants to come alongside and be within me to help. If I ask, God will give me the desire and the power to do what pleases him. The secret to a changed life lies behind my submission to His control, letting him work.

To be like Christ, I must train myself to think like Him. To change my desires to be more like Christ's, I need the power of the indwelling Spirit, the influence of other faithful Christians around me, obedience to God's Word (not just exposure to it), and my own sacrificial service. Often it is in doing God's will that I gain the desire to do it. Often in just doing it, and trusting him, my desire change.

So why are complaining and arguing so harmful? If all that people know about me and christianity is that I constantly argue, complain, and gossip, they will get a false impression of Christ and the Good News.

To be a good example or ambassador for Christ, my life should be characterized by moral purity, patience, and peacefulness, so that I shine like a "bright light" in a dark and depraved world. My transformed life is an effective witness to the power of God's Word. So today I should consider am I shining brightly, or am I clouded by complaining and arguing? I should not let dissensions snuff out my light. Shine out for God. My role is to shine until Jesus returns and bathes the world in his radiant glory.

I’m also learning that I shouldn’t complain about what’s wrong. Rather I should be grateful for the opportunity to experience each day.  When I complain, I allow the enemy to invade my life; I end up making room for him to intrude and change my attitude to “stinking thinking”. Once I crack that door, the floodgates of negativity can burst open, allowing all forms of it to enter your home and heart.

God wants my life to resound with joy from one day to the next, until each year becomes a testimony of my walk with Him. Today is a rich gift to me from God. Spend it wisely!