Twenty years ago, the LORD impressed upon me the importance of a specific passage from Phillipians 2:14-16 regarding complaining:
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of Life…”
Since then, I have become a sober student of what these words might mean and how I should apply them in my life. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
“EVERYTHING” means there are no exceptions to this directive. Longing, loss, inconvenience, and even death are included in this term.
The discipline of creating a thankful and uncomplaining attitude is essential towards becoming blameless and pure before God.
I am living smack, dab in the middle of a wretched and depraved generation and am expected to shine for Christ-like a star in an otherwise dark vacuum of attitude.
The LORD wants to use me to hold out the Word of Life to my family, friends, co-workers, and strangers. Complaining impairs my ability to do that.
From personal experience, I have learned that it is not possible for me to resist complaining without the power of Jesus Christ and a daily commitment to take an intentional stand against this powerful, dark temptation.
I’ve learned that if I am complaining about something, this usually means that I am out of close fellowship with the LORD. I’ve allowed the cares and distractions of the world to paralyze my faith. I have become occupied with the temporal and lost sight of the eternal.
When I complain, I am demonstrating a thankless heart that is ungrateful for the LORD’s present will in my life.
When I complain, I am taking the first, dangerous step onto the slippery slope of sin. “I WANT this and I want it NOW!” I grumble as I begin devising ways (usually outside the will of God) of providing it for myself.
Complaining is an energy drainer for both the doer and the hearer.
I, like the Israelites, am capable of seeing miracles before me one minute and whining in unbelief the next. It is the human condition. To guard against this, I need the manna of the Word and encouraging fellowship and accountability with the Body of Christ every single day.
I am convinced that the LORD loves to hear me sincerely say “thank you!” He goes to great lengths to demonstrate His detailed, expressly personal love for me and delights when I notice His efforts. When I am faithful to cultivate a grateful heart, He is able to use me to share in the ministry of eternity.
Kay O'Hara
February 20, 2010
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of Life…”
Since then, I have become a sober student of what these words might mean and how I should apply them in my life. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
“EVERYTHING” means there are no exceptions to this directive. Longing, loss, inconvenience, and even death are included in this term.
The discipline of creating a thankful and uncomplaining attitude is essential towards becoming blameless and pure before God.
I am living smack, dab in the middle of a wretched and depraved generation and am expected to shine for Christ-like a star in an otherwise dark vacuum of attitude.
The LORD wants to use me to hold out the Word of Life to my family, friends, co-workers, and strangers. Complaining impairs my ability to do that.
From personal experience, I have learned that it is not possible for me to resist complaining without the power of Jesus Christ and a daily commitment to take an intentional stand against this powerful, dark temptation.
I’ve learned that if I am complaining about something, this usually means that I am out of close fellowship with the LORD. I’ve allowed the cares and distractions of the world to paralyze my faith. I have become occupied with the temporal and lost sight of the eternal.
When I complain, I am demonstrating a thankless heart that is ungrateful for the LORD’s present will in my life.
When I complain, I am taking the first, dangerous step onto the slippery slope of sin. “I WANT this and I want it NOW!” I grumble as I begin devising ways (usually outside the will of God) of providing it for myself.
Complaining is an energy drainer for both the doer and the hearer.
I, like the Israelites, am capable of seeing miracles before me one minute and whining in unbelief the next. It is the human condition. To guard against this, I need the manna of the Word and encouraging fellowship and accountability with the Body of Christ every single day.
I am convinced that the LORD loves to hear me sincerely say “thank you!” He goes to great lengths to demonstrate His detailed, expressly personal love for me and delights when I notice His efforts. When I am faithful to cultivate a grateful heart, He is able to use me to share in the ministry of eternity.
Kay O'Hara
February 20, 2010
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