I Have a Complaint

As I'm continuing to read, pray, meditate and contemplate my way through Paul's letters I continue to find great instructions for living a life that is worthy of the title, "Christian." Some of these instructions (most of these instructions) are challenging, to put it mildly.

Some of the instructions from Paul to the congregations of the churches in Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus and Philippi are simple and may seem obvious:

• "Be humble, and gentle..."(Ephesians 4:2a)
• "Don't use foul or abusive language..." (Ephesians 4:29)
• "...do good to everyone, especially our Christian brothers and sisters." (Galatians 6:10).

Others are more difficult; they require us to put aside our own pride and strength, and to lean on God for the strength to follow through:

• "Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love." (Ephesians 4:2b)
• "So put away all falsehood and “tell your neighbor the truth” because we belong to each other." (Ephesians 4:25)
• "Don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry..." (Ephesians 4:26).

And then, last night, I came across an instruction in the book of Philippians that I know will require me to completely give up all sense of self, to completely immerse myself in the love of God, and to trust Him completely to help me live up to the standard:

"In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing..." (Philippians 2:14)

Everything? Really? No complaining? I'm fairly humble, but I do know that there are a few things at which I really excel. Complaining is definitely one of them. I am also fairly good at arguing. In the past I have had alot of fun doing both. There must be a really good reason for not doing either of these things...

"...so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them." (Philippians 2:15)

Or, in other words:

1. Complaining and arguing open doors that accusations can walk through
2. As Christians our lives cannot shine when we show ourselves to be as dim as those who have never known Christ.

Two very good reasons to give up complaining and arguing. By humbling ourselves (see Philippians 2), and treating others with the love of Christ we can forgo both of these sins. Yet again, love proves to be the trump card.

God give me the strength it requires to live a truly humble life. Your son humbled himself to the point of becoming a slave, and was obedient even to dying on the cross. God, grant me that same strength of character and help me to have that same level of love. God help me to give up complaining and arguing. God grant me the wisdom it takes to control my tongue. Thank you again for the example of Christ.