Philippians 2

14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labour in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

We really have to start considering these verses more fully. I can’t tell you how many times I have whined about work or home not considering how bad of a witness this is to others. Think about it, we are born again in Christ and should be filled with joy. If so they why do we “grumble”?

Sure our situation is different and is tougher than most. Really?? Think about the man who wrote this. He use to be jailed and beaten for his belief in Christ. He walked all over the region to preach the Gospel. He apparently was martyred, although this came out in 110 AD and was not recorded in the Bible or other record of the time.

Paul was in jail singing the praises of Jesus. More than once did he defend his faith with the possibility his position would me death. So how can we say our life is much more difficult and deserves the complaints. No, we need to stop and we don’t have to be “plastic” where everything is “wonderful” (my favorite phrase), but we should not overly complain. “It’s tough right now, but with the hope we have in Jesus things are great.”