Do everything without complaining or arguing. Then you will be innocent and without any wrong. You will be God’s children without fault.
But you are living with crooked and mean people all around you, among whom you shine like stars in the dark world. You offer the teaching that gives life.
Philippians 2:14-16 (NCV)
Have you ever tried to go through an entire day without complaining or arguing? For many, habitual whining is as natural as breath. We set certain expectations about how things should be or how people should act, and we always find ourselves grumbling and complaining, rather than being grateful and living in obedience to God. When we constantly react negatively, all that negativity adds to the darkness in this world. We can’t point others to the light of Christ when all they see is our darkness.
Most people think daily negativity is perfectly normal, and they live according to the world’s standards of selfishness. But when we grumble and complain we show others that we’re just like everyone else. As followers of Christ, we are supposed to look different. We are called to walk away from gossip, to stand up for the marginalized, and to shine the very light of Christ that is within us. When we fight to be “right”, post critical and divisive opinions on social media, shout others down, or simply complain to anyone who will listen, no one gets to see Jesus. Living according to the world’s standards keeps hope, joy, and peace hidden in the dark. But when we live in obedience to God, we shine a spotlight that illuminates Jesus. We point others to our Heavenly Father by shining His glorious light back onto Him.
Imagine the world if you scattered God’s light, rather than constantly scattering seeds of darkness. If all believers did, eventually people would see no darkness at all! Rather than focusing your attention on all that is wrong, focus your heart on all that is right! When you replace your grumbling with gratitude and complaining with contentment, everything changes. You were made to shine like stars in this world! You have everything you need: The Holy Spirit, God’s Truth, and the light of Christ. Don’t let the lies of this world dim your light. Tune your heart to Jesus, and go shine HIS light like crazy! You are loved!
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Ephesians 5:8-9
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