“Do everything without
grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of
God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’”1 Philippians 2:14-15a
Although Paul’s letter to the members of the Philippian
church covers theological topics, it doesn’t appear to have any major doctrinal
issues. It is insinuated that the church members may have been grumbling and
complaining to the church leaders the same way the Israelites did to Moses;
therefore, one area of focus is living as Christ did.
How many times do you go through your day without grumbling,
complaining or arguing about something?
I must confess I have a tendency to grumble and complain more so then
argue. I typically complain to myself
about situations or circumstances I have to deal with. They are normally out of my control, so
grumbling about them is fruitless. I am
painfully human. I know it and the Lord knows it. I’m working at being more like Christ, but it
can be a slow, arduous process at times.
The comical part of this whole internal process for me is that I go on
and on about apparent injustices or blatantly inconsiderate words or actions
silently, then normally circle around to the point where I ask the Lord for
forgiveness for my insolence. It is then
that I let it go and move on.
The main point here is that we are to do all they we are
called to do as if the Lord Jesus Christ has asked us to do it. This is how we become blameless and pure
children of God. The phrase “warped & crooked generation” is
taken from Deuteronomy 32:5 shown in a footnote below. It refers quite directly to the Israelites
under Moses leadership. They complained
and as a result disobeyed God so much so that they were kept from entering into
the Promised Land of Canaan. Their
grumbling and arguing caused the Israelites to wander the desert for 40 years
until all the grumblers and complainers had passed away. Don’t be like the Israelites of the Old
Testament. Emulate Christ and in so
doing avoid grumbling and arguing entirely.
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
1Deuteronomy 32:5 “They are corrupt
and not his children; to their shame they are a warped and crooked generation.”
