Do everything without grumbling or arguing (Philippians 2:14 -emphasis added). I have to be honest an admit that I forget the word everything. I will even go as far to say that I have kept this scripture, this command, wrapped up in a nice bow, applying it only to certain situations, like my job or ministry for instance. But that attitude or mindset places a limit on what God says that I must do and His Word is without limitations. He said exactly what He means and He means that everything we do must be done in love ( 1 Corinthians 16:14) and without grumbling or arguing ( Philippians 2:14).
Therefore, this includes everything from my conversation with others (I have a mouth to speak and two ears to listen), the never ending laundry ( praising God that I have clothes in the first place) or being a means of transportation for my family or a friend ( thanking God for the car and and ability to do so) . No matter what the task or situation, every action should be done in gratitude and thankfulness rather than grumbling about what needs to be done.
Why? Why should I not argue about who is not doing what or what is not getting done? I ( we) should not do so because God wants it to be well with our soul. He wants us to be pure and blameless. He wants His children to shine bright before the world so that they may see Him and glorify Him ( Philippians 2:15).
When I grumble or argue, I make it about me rather than about Him. I also have noticed how it affects my body. The stress of grumbling and arguing hurts me physically and mentally, leaving me open to attacks from the enemy. Worse yet, I can become the weapon that the enemy uses because I am focused on the wrong things. In the process I hurt myself and someone I love. I leave the door cracked for the enemy to come in, but praise be to God that He has brought me back to this Word so that the door can be shut and the weapon rendered powerless.
As I think about those times when I grumble, argue or complain I have noticed a pattern. I have noticed that I tend to do it more when I am tired from the “ripping and running” of days. God has given me solutions to break this pattern and maybe it will help someone else. He says in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” I need more than sleep, I need to rest in Him. Sit at His feet and be refreshed and restored as He leads me beside the quiet waters ( Psalm 23:2)
Father You called me to You. You saw state and you know my heart. You Lord, led me from the place or hurt and pain that comes when I act outside of Your will and begin to grumble and argue. You Lord, saw. all of it and yet there You stood with open arms. You invited me to get rest in You Father. You invited me to eat of your bread and to be nourished. You gently corrected me and led be back to the path of righteousness. Father? I just bless your name for that. But Lord, You didn’t stop there. You made my cup overflow. providing me and my family with something we needed. You surround me with family and friends who love on me not because I deserve it, but because of who You are. Thank You Lord for seeing past my faults and seeing my needs. Thank You for your correction and love. In Jesus name. Amen
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