Grumblin' and Complaining

Do all things without grumbling and complaining.  – Philippians 2:14 

It may be that living in a house of teenagers out of school for the summer has tuned me into this, but it seems like I’m hearing more grumbling and complaining lately.

Just yesterday, for example, the man behind me in the grocery line grumbled aloud about the long wait, the soccer mom whose child didn’t make the “top team” complained about the soccer club, and my teenager daughter complained about…. everything.  I too am guilty of grumbling about the wailing peacocks next door.  Reading my Bible today, Philippians 2:14 popped off the page and landed “kerplunk” in my heart.

Why do you think God dislikes grumbling and complaining?  Do you think Jesus grumbled or complained?  If you go back to the beginning of Philippians chapter 2, the author Paul is encouraging the church at Philippi and all Christians today to become more like Jesus.  

Paul writes:

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 

Who, being in very nature of God, 

did not consider equality with God, something to be grasped, 

but made himself nothing, 

taking on the very nature of a servant, 

being made in human likeness.  

And being found in appearance as a man,

He humbled himself

and became obedient to death-

even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:5-8

Now go all the way back to the beginning of chapter 2 and Paul explains that we are to be “like-minded” with Jesus. What does that look like?  Paul explains:

• Love like Jesus loves – love others, all people (even the grumbling ones)

• Be united with the Spirit – invite the Holy Spirit to rule, reign, and guide your life

• Serve others with humility – put aside your ambitions and humbly serve others

Here’s my “take away”: If we ask the Holy Spirit to lead our hearts and minds, we will love and serve others more, and grumble and complain less.   Sounds like a better, brighter, and more joyful life.  By the way, the title of Philippians chapter 2 is Joy In Serving.

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