Yesterday I was reminded by Philippians 2:14 that I am “to do everything without complaining or disputing (arguing).” I also discovered that I can no longer blame my current irritability on a medication side-effect, especially since I was off the medication for two weeks (and still irritable). No, I must claim my irritability as my own and surrender to another attitude adjustment.
When Paul told his Philippian readers (and us) to do everything without irritability, he followed it up with the reasoning for that command. “…so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” [2:15-16a NIV]
One thing the world is extremely good at is complaining and arguing. It seems people cannot be happy unless they have something to complain about or someone with which to argue. God’s children are to be different. We are to be blameless, pure and without fault. We are to reflect the virtues and attitudes of Jesus that Paul listed in the beginning of the chapter.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:3-4)
By adopting the attitudes of our LORD and Savior, we will shine like the “stars in the universe.” Ever spend time looking at the sky at night? It is completely dark except … except for those stars that stand out in the darkness. As they hold out light in the sky, Christians are to shine in this world and hold out the word of life. By our Christ-like attitudes we give others light in their darkness, hope in their hopelessness.
