(A note I wrote a while back on YouVersion...)
In Philippians 2:14-15, we have the inspired Word of God which says
"Don't complain or argue about stuff...just kidding! Go ahead and
complain, God doesn't care!" (Ok, that's not what it says...that's what I wish it said!)
Today I'm continuing on my mission
of going through God's word with a new perspective...with the intent of
truly believing, accepting and LIVING everything God says.
Not ten minutes ago I had a huge "vent session" in
which I made my mom (poor thing) listen to me complain about all the
things that happen at work that upset me. We said goodbye and each went
about our business and I thought..."oops"! Why had I forgotten this
Philippians verse before speaking? And why did I feel the need to
complain anyway!?
The answer is simple...when God inspired the
writing of this passage...he must have been joking! Maybe God just
doesn't want me to complain about CHURCH things. If God worked where I
do, he'd complain too, right? No...he wouldn't.
And I don't
really think God was joking about this or any other portion of
scripture. There must be some other reason why I'm a complainer...so,
what is it?
In the NASB version, Philippians 2:15
says we should do everything without complaining or arguing because it
"will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God
above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among
whom you appear as lights in the world".
I shouldn't be
complaining in any circumstance, because the JOY of the Lord is my
strength. If I'm in a close relationship with my Father, won't I see
this world through His eyes? I'll look at bad situations and
frustrating people, and see hope. I'll see an opportunity for God's
hand to move, and people who need the transforming, saving grace of
Christ. I'm called to a life of UN-Complainism (yes, that's a word I
just invented), because by doing so I'm a light to those who are lost in
darkness!
So why then, do I still struggle? I have to realize
that if in fact my mouth speaks from the overflow of my heart (Matthew
12:34), I might not be as close to God as I'd like to think I am. I'm
still growing. I'm still in the process of making Psalm 119:11 a
reality in my life. I'm still seeking the Lord and reading His
word...and until I know what it says, I'll always be making mistakes.
I
can't know how to serve and follow God without knowing what he says
about serving and following Him. That's like saying you're going to be a
Justin Bieber fanatic without knowing who he is or what he sings...it
doesn't make sense. Christianity isn't about a one-time prayer, or a set schedule of religious activities. It's about an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ, and continually allowing Him access to transform our hearts and lives.
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