Today I’m posting my last writing from Philippians, Journey in Joy. A short little verse in chapter 2 packs quite a punch in a few words. Its challenge is essential for a joy-filled journey.
Do everything without complaining or arguing. Philippians 2:14
Just in case the challenge isn’t clear, I’ll offer some help from additional translations-
AMP: without murmuring or questioning (the providence of God)
CSB: without grumbling or arguing
ESV: without grumbling or disputing
The message is clear- stop the negative commentary, and if that’s not challenge enough, there’s the point of application- in everything you do!
I’m confident I’m not the only one who needs a little help with this. I’m remembering some years ago when “complaining bracelets” were popping up on everyone’s wrist. I did a little research and found that these originated with Will Bowen, a Kansas City minister who challenged his church to go 21 days without complaining. He provided everyone in attendance a purple rubber bracelet with these simple instructions- wear it on one wrist; switch it to the other wrist with every complaint spoken. The goal- 21 days straight without a switchover!
Even googling the idea now 12 years later, you can find current posts regarding the difficulty of changing the negative commentary of your speech that as Bowen says, “is like bad breath.” This is not a surprise; we know the timeless saying, “Old habits die hard.”
In Paul’s way of thinking, so does the flesh even though that’s what he’s challenging us to do in this short little verse. Put to death the part of your nature that wants to complain, grumble, and argue. The stakes are high as he goes on to say in verses 16-17.
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- in order that I might boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
This is how we show ourselves to be making progress spiritually- growing up more and more in our salvation and Christ-likeness. The evidence of growth makes us shine brightly (makes us light) in a dark world that desperately needs the word of life (Jesus).
For certain, I’m going to need more than a bracelet for this one. In fact scripture says I’m going to need a mighty work of the Spirit in my heart to bring about this change. For more detailed study on this- Romans 8:1-17 and Galatians 5:16-25 provide excellent help.
As I’m learning in my study of Psalm 23, I’m also going to have to choose to believe and live into the truth of the final portion of verse 1- I have everything I need as I follow and obey my good shepherd. I shall not want. I could also add; therefore, I will not complain.
These concepts of lack and complaint are indeed intertwined. I know that in Christ I have all that I need, and in abundance, but I don’t always live in that reality. My feelings, or how about let’s say my flesh, tell me at times that perhaps I’ve been overlooked or shorted, and I’m left hungering or longing after something I have yet to attain or can’t seem to grasp. The cloud of discontent begins to hover; complaining and grumbling commence. Joy evaporates.
The question I’m left asking myself in times like this is one that I bet you have asked as well. When I know what’s true, why is my behavior not automatically transformed?
The answer is a simple- Just because we know something is true, doesn’t mean we actually live it out. We need some “how-to” helps so to speak for applying it to life.
This week God provided me with two application points in Psalm 34:9-10. These short verses give me some tangible practices to combat the cycle that a sense of lack begins resulting in discontent and grumbling complaints-
Oh fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack. The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
I’m asking myself- is my position before the LORD one of humble reverence, respect, and awe? Proverbs 1:7 says that this fear of the LORD, this correct position before Him, is the beginning of knowledge/of wisdom. I’m also checking priorities. Matthew 6:33 says that I must seek God first and trust that when I do He adds everything I need.
My position before God and the placement of God in my life matter!
Instead of a purple bracelet and a behavior modification plan, I’ve added a new PIC to my file. I’m asking God to help me apply these timeless truths so that the words from my mouth reflect a heart that is full- of Jesus- for He is complete (abundant, not-lacking anything) joy!
Daily PICs for Life 