Aug 9 - Grumble No More

Read Philippians 2:12-18

Context: Paul has been talking about how we should take the hope and encouragement we get from being Christians and use it to become more Christ-like.

Text:
12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so 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 16as you hold out[a] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. (NIV)

Footnotes:
Philippians 2:16 Or hold on to
taken from www.biblegateway.com
We are told in this passage to do everything without complaining or grumbling...I don't know about you, but that's tough for me! I desperately want the world to run logically, for life to run smoothly, and for the kids to put their dishes in the dishwasher, but somehow it just doesn't happen. But Paul doesn't just give us tough advice to follow, he also gives us the means. If you look back to verse 13, God is working in us to help us do the right thing! In fact, he gives us both the will and the ability to act on what is right if we turn to him for help.

Your challenge today is to keep track of your grumblings or complaints. Don't beat yourself up over it, just figure out how often you do it. If you understand when and why you complain, it is easier to find another way to deal with your frustration. Track each complaint for a few days, and you'll quickly find that you are grumbling less often because it's easier NOT to complain than it is to write down each time you do it.