The Right Attitude

Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.

Philippians 2:14-15, HCSB

IT’S EASY TO FIND THINGS wrong with the world. You don’t have to go too far to discover imperfection and inconvenience. Even though you could complain about these things, should you? For example, during a quick drive in the car, there are red lights, traffic slowdowns, fast drivers, slow drivers, and drivers who cut you off, and the list goes on. But because God has different standards for His people than what’s “normal” or “reasonable,” it is possible for us as believers to “shine like stars in the world.” This may seem grandiose at first, but a person who takes things in stride without complaining is a rare breed.

On what basis should a Christian not complain? What makes us different from the world? We know our heavenly Father is in control of all things. We know that some of the inconveniences we experience may actually be divine opportunities to help someone else, or for God to grow us. Either way, complaining doesn’t honor God.

Here’s the bottom line: As Christians, we can rest in the fact that our Father is in charge. He’s got us. We can be blameless, pure, and childlike. We don’t have to worry and fret and try to control the outcome of everything, getting upset when things don’t go our way. Not only does this kind of relaxed trust in God honor Him, but it makes our lives so much more attractive to others and enjoyable to ourselves.

BOTTOM LINE

Living a complaint-free life is a much happier and holier way to live. Besides, complaining never makes things better.

Moment of Strength: Numbers 11:1