Do all things without grumbling or disputing. – Philippians 2:14
The story is told of an old woman who went to her doctor because her nose would not stop itching. “All day long it itches,” she said. “Not only that, my back hurts, my feet get sore from too much walking, my house is too small, the weather is too cold, my children don’t call me, I don’t have good food to eat.” Her litany of complaints continued until the wise doctor said, “Perhaps God is telling you to stop complaining. I think if you stop with the grumbling, your nose will stop itching.”
Do you have an itchy nose? God calls you to be a bright light in a dark world, but grumbling or complaining certainly dims that light. Pastor Mike Turner wrote, “Complaining is often a reaction to tough circumstances. We look at the circumstances… and we complain. We take our eyes off of God.” The Greek word used for “grumbling” in today’s verse is similar to the Hebrew word for “murmuring” in the Old Testament, something the Israelites did a lot of once they escaped slavery in Egypt. The truth is that complaining takes the place of a spirit of gratitude.
Complaining can be contagious and breed disunity in the body of Christ. Grumbling is an attitude choice that may also rob you of joy. Mark Twain said, “Don’t complain or talk about your problems; 80% of people don’t care, and the other 20% think you probably deserve them.”
You are called to live differently. As you practice gratitude today, intercede for members of Congress to develop positive solutions rather than offering complaints.
Today’s Verse: Philippians 2:14
Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 5:6-17
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
