Grumbling And Arguing

As a follower of Jesus, how is our testimony? What do people see when they look at our life? Do they see a life dedicated to Jesus? Or, a life dedicated to ourselves? We all know people who follow Jesus that grumble and argue. In fact, if we took a good look at ourselves, we might just find one of those people. We grumble about the government, high cost of living, even things such as the weather. We argue with others about all kinds of things. My wife will tell me on occasion, “You just like to argue.” Yes, I grumble and I argue. I tend to be one of those followers of Jesus.

The apostle Paul tells us to “Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (Philippians 2:14-15). Paul didn’t tell us to not grumble or argue about some things. He said “everything.” Everything includes our job, children. spouse, coworkers, gas prices, government, or our neighbors. What about people who believe differently? Do not grumble about them and do not argue with them. Civil debates can be good, but arguing usually only drives the wedge deeper, increasing the distance between us. Can you think of any advantages of grumbling? How does it change what you are grumbling about? It has more of a negative impact on us than a positive impact on the subject we are grumbling about. Grumbling solves nothing and arguing rarely does either.

Paul gives a reason for not grumbling or arguing. "So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” (Philippians 2:15). Grumbling and arguing doesn’t reflect Jesus. It reflects the warped and crooked generation we live in. As followers of Jesus we should imitate Him instead of the world. Paul ends verse 15 by saying, “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” How do we shine in the world if we mimic the world? If we want our light to shine in the darkness we will need to stop grumbling and arguing. Grumbling and arguing dims our sight. It tarnishes our testimony about Jesus. As followers of Jesus we need to stop grumbling and arguing. When we do, our lives will reflect Jesus and we will shine bright in a warped and crooked generation. Go out today without grumbling or arguing, and let your light shine like the stars in the sky.