Do all things without complaining and arguing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without defect in the middle of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, Philippians 2:14-15 WEB
As Christians, we serve as examples of our faith to our communities and the world in general. When we grumble, argue, and complain, we do not show our best selves. In addition, these attitudes perpetuate strife and disunity in the Christian community.
There may be times when we genuinely need to confront a fellow believer for poor behavior and this is most often best done in private. But as a rule, we should perform our daily tasks without complaining and discord.
Paul’s instruction to the Phillipians is simple and straightforward and is generally directed to church workers and officials. However, this command also applies to the believers’ everyday life.
Blameless and Harmless
The apostle Paul adds to his command the reasoning behind it. Paul wants followers of Christ to present themselves as lights in the world. As Jesus says of his followers in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. WEB” In order to show ourselves as blameless and harmless, we must behave in a way that cannot be easily criticized by those who do not believe.
Complaining and arguing in and of themselves may not be sinful but they are poor indicators of our salvation in Christ. As distinct ambassadors of our faith, Paul asks fellow believers to present themselves as unique and separate from the strife and contentious living often displayed by the unsaved.
Christ Chose You
Jeus Christ called us out of the world. Jesus tells us in John 15:19, “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. WEB”
Knowing that the world is not predisposed to favoring the followers of Christ, Paul teaches to live as lights in the world, therefore, not giving any legitimate cause for criticism among our detractors. Also, foregoing complaints and arguments just makes life more pleasant for each of us.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for calling me out of the world. Forgive me for my complaints and arguments. Help me to live a life that is free from chaos and contention. Guide me and those close to me to live as lights in the world. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Love One Another
