Philippians 2:14-18
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing..." Philippians 2:14
Paul follows his encouragement to work out your own salvation with a command: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing" (v. 14, emphasis added). This is pretty easy to say, not so easy to do. But Paul quickly explains why we are to do so: because how we do things shows others whose we are. If we are God's children, we should act like it!
Paul tells the Philippians to hold fast, stay committed to the Word of God until Christ returns. But instead of it being a reflection of God, it is because they are a reflection of Christ's work in and through Paul. There were many who questioned Paul's authority and apostleship (and still do) because he hadn't walked with or followed Jesus during His lifetime on earth. The church that Paul had founded could be a testimony to Christ's work in Paul, giving weight to his authority and leadership. His ministry could be more effective and more people might believe because of the faithful lives of the Philippians.
At your church, do you serve without grumbling? Do you do everything without disputing or do you stir up dissension and disrespect? Are you living in such a way that your church's ministry is more effective or hindered? Let's build up the body of Christ by being mindful of how we do everything. Remember, everything should ultimately be done for the glory of God.
Father, I praise You for always being good and for being kind enough to use me for Your purposes, plans, and glory. Thank You for the opportunity to live every moment as a testimony of Your goodness and the ministry of my church. Forgive me for not always having the right heart or attitude when I serve. Please give me Your strength to serve You with humility, thinking of others first, and without grumbling. In Your Name, Amen.
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing..." Philippians 2:14
Paul follows his encouragement to work out your own salvation with a command: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing" (v. 14, emphasis added). This is pretty easy to say, not so easy to do. But Paul quickly explains why we are to do so: because how we do things shows others whose we are. If we are God's children, we should act like it!
Paul tells the Philippians to hold fast, stay committed to the Word of God until Christ returns. But instead of it being a reflection of God, it is because they are a reflection of Christ's work in and through Paul. There were many who questioned Paul's authority and apostleship (and still do) because he hadn't walked with or followed Jesus during His lifetime on earth. The church that Paul had founded could be a testimony to Christ's work in Paul, giving weight to his authority and leadership. His ministry could be more effective and more people might believe because of the faithful lives of the Philippians.
At your church, do you serve without grumbling? Do you do everything without disputing or do you stir up dissension and disrespect? Are you living in such a way that your church's ministry is more effective or hindered? Let's build up the body of Christ by being mindful of how we do everything. Remember, everything should ultimately be done for the glory of God.
Father, I praise You for always being good and for being kind enough to use me for Your purposes, plans, and glory. Thank You for the opportunity to live every moment as a testimony of Your goodness and the ministry of my church. Forgive me for not always having the right heart or attitude when I serve. Please give me Your strength to serve You with humility, thinking of others first, and without grumbling. In Your Name, Amen.