Do Everything Without Complaining
Before we proceed with our subject called “Do everything without complaining,” let me make this disclaimer. I am by no means close to being perfect and I cannot do everything without complaining.
I wish I could although I am much better at it than I used to be but they are goals we can all strive for.
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Philippians 2:14-15
After you read all of Philippians 2, you would conclude that Paul was dealing with our rights. After he examined the life of Jesus, we don’t have the right to complain or argue.
Verse 6 highlighted this about Jesus. Even though Jesus was God, He didn’t think of equality with God as something to cling to. Paul continued by pointing out His humility.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:7-8
If anyone had the right to complain, Jesus did. He was lied about, and spit on. They severely whipped Him and jammed a crown of thorns on His head. And they brutally killed Him.
Yet no one could bring any creditable accusation against Him. Why? Besides His sinlessness, He went through it all without any argument or complaint.
Usually our complaints are sparked when we’ve reached our limit. Check out this related post called, How To Trust God When You’ve Had More Than Enough.
How to do Everything Without Complaining
Paul told us not to argue or complain so that no one can criticize us. Then he told us how to stay above reproach.
- Live clean, innocent lives as children of God.
- Shine like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
- Hold firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2:15-16
Just like Jesus suffered persecution, Paul did as well. So the Apostle was speaking from experience as he encouraged the church of Philippi. He implied, don’t make it easy for the world to accuse you.
Then he turned the conversation toward eternity. Of how they could rejoice together.
Then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life . . . Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy. Philippians 2:16-17,18
Let Your Light Shine Brightly
Are you letting your light shine brightly in the world around you? When criticism and persecution come your way, are you able to handle everything without complaining?
If not, ask God to help you see things the way He sees them. Keep your motives pure and your testimony visible. There are some Christians who don’t want their lights to shine bright.
They will unscrew their moral and spiritual light bulbs to keep them from shining in certain circumstances. Others keep bulbs, spiritual lights, unscrewed all of the time.
Then they feel they have the right to do what they want when they want. In other words, they want to say they are saved but at the same time blend into the world. Paul, however, gave us these instructions.
Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12-13
Lord, in everything we do help us to obey you with deep reverence and fear. Thank you for working in us, and giving us the desire and power to do what pleases you.
Take time to read the entire chapter of Philippians 2.
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