I have been taking a medication for a suspected auto-immune disease since last September. It is a medication that has a host of side effects that I have had to combat. In recent months, one doctor decided to taper me off the med in order to see if my “inflammation markers spike.” (In other words, just how miserable can I get.)
One of the side effects of the med is irritability. That side effect did not mesh well with what has been going on lately. I have been trying to balance the irritability against a fear- and virus-pandemic. Well, I have been off the med now for about two weeks. By all accounts, the medication is gone from my system. However, I am noticing that the irritability did not go away with the medication. Ah, so, now I have nothing to blame for being irritable except my own attitudes.
Philippians 2 opens with the reminder that we are supposed to model the attitudes of our Savior and LORD. (Read vs 1-11)
Then Paul goes on to explain how the wonderful attitudes of Jesus will be reflected in us. One attitude got me this morning, verse 14: “Do all things without complaining and disputing (arguing NIV).” [NKJV]
Really Paul? All things?
Yes, apparently there are no exceptions to the admonishment. We are to do all things without complaining or disputing or arguing. In other words, we are to face the trials, disappointments, difficult race, and the world’s opposition just as Jesus did. He did not complain about His life or argue with Father God over the difficult challenges of the cross and death in front of Him. He did it all for “the joy that was set before Him.” [Hebrews 12:2]
On a side note, the doctor put me back on the medication with the irritability side effect for another two-three months. I guess this time, however, I know I cannot blame my irritability on the med – I see another attitude adjustment in my near future!
