Philippians 2:14-15 says, Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Starting off from this verse, I would like to honestly say that is soooo hard to live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining light bright lights in a world full of crooked perverse people. But the Apostle Paul says its not impossible. I believe that in this passage, the Apostle is telling us how to achieve this undertaking: “Do everything without complaining and arguing.
The scripture above was a verse that I highlighted in my e-bible this morning. I had other verses highlighted. But this one, Philippians 2:14-15 did not really spark anything.
Until a few minutes ago.
I came home upset tonight. I was upset at things not happening my way in the office. I was expecting something and it did not turn out right and I was just upset. I was still at it until God reminded me of this passage. Argh! How can I not complain? How can I not argue? My expectations were unmet! I thought a request that I made was going to be fulfilled because I believed that no one was against the request and then it turns out otherwise. I was soooooo disappointed. And frustrated.
I want to complain. I want to argue. I want to have my way. I want to have a say. But I don’t think that is what Jesus want me to do. He is Prince of Peace after all right? And then, the reality of being a Christian sets in. I was a Christian. What I wanted to do was inappropriate to say the least. Yes, it would make me feel a lot better. Then I remembered another passage a read a few days ago in Ephesians 4:31-32, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Oh okay…
Sometime on the way home, I was feeling that my disappointments and frustrations are mounting. I feel I do no get the respect that I deserve. I do not feel appreciated. I feel that I am always on the giving end and not on the receiving end. But God DID said a few verses back in Ephesians 4:1-3, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Be completely gentle and humbled…Patient, bearing with one another in love…Make very effort to keep the unity… I think my head is spinning. That was what I have to do. Again. And again.
What can I do? I too am a prisoner of the Lord. I know Him. I know what He wants me to do. I just don’t wanna. But I gotta. In the end, that is how we prevail in this life. By being doggedly persistent to do the right thing. Even if its not settled in my heart. Even if my whole being wants to hold a revolution in side of me, I still need to do the right thing.
This is enduring. God said that to all those who endure, they shall be saved (Matthew 10:22). I need to to endure, LORD. Help.
