Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…
Philippians 2:14-15
It seems strange to me that following Paul’s one commandment to not complain was a string of implications for obeying this command–that would be lights to the world, children of God, blameless in this generation.
I mean… seriously?
I could’ve imagined him saying that about if we.. evangelized, or lived holy lives, or endured persecution, but…not complaining?
What’s so important about not complaining?
Well I think the point of the passage is the opposite of complaining–it’s a thankful spirit.
It’s a thankful spirit which sets us apart from the people of this world. We know who we are, and more importantly, whose we are. A spirit of thankfulness is a spirit which protects every person from contagions of depression, offense, and disconnect from God.
And living in a country rife with possessions, we find ourselves bereft of such a spirit.
May God help us to garner a spirit of thankfulness which pours forth in our speech and in our joy every day!
