“Do everything without complaining or arguing, 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 – in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” Philippians 2:14-16
I wrote this the other day for the Philippians study…and it really pertains to the Gift List of gratitude, so I wanted to re-post it here as well.
I’ve said it before, but I’ll mention it again…working on this Gift List each week has been so good for my soul. I actually think I am complaining less. I am more thankful for my family and less frustrated with their faults. I am more thankful for my relationship with the Lord and am generally able to focus on His good plan for my life, without dwelling so much on the negative.
I love that Paul says that the reason we should not complain is so that we can shine like stars in this crooked world. Aha. So, every time I complain to the non-believers around me, I am missing an opportunity to shine the love of Jesus into their lives. I am missing an opportunity to brag on God and allow them to see His work in my life. I really miss the boat when I complain, in more ways than one.
Notice also that this section of Scripture directly follows the beautiful passage of Christ’s humility and servanthood from Philippians 2:5-11. I think these verses are all put together for a reason…when we complain, we are focusing on ourselves. When we complain, we are claiming to have some right in our life to determine our circumstances and our future. However, when we are grateful, a heart of humlity just pours out thankfulness for all HE has done. Gratefulness turns our hearts back to HIM. Gratefulness takes our eyes off of ourselves and onto the One who deserves all the glory and praise.
Many reasons to not complain…I want to do better than not complain, though…I want a heart of gratitude more consistently…I want to praise Him through it all!!
daddy carving a pumpkin for Caleb
playdough and clay ~ keeping my kids busy for hours and hours lately!
awesome church service
an encouraging evening for homeschool moms
old friends, new friends
more excellent reading (I hope to share about a few awesome books I’ve read and am reading)
reminders of God’s love
fall leaves
fun Christmas music with our choir
anticipating a fun holiday season
making Advent plans
hearing my children count their blessings (right after argument #37 for the day! just keeping it real for ya!)
hot chocolate
grace, it is all grace
#1163 ~ 1176
“loved” about hearing your children count blessings even after arguing! So good! So “real”!
Thank you for sharing!
Joining you in gratitude . . .
As one who sits here listening to the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack the week before Thanksgiving…I love your Advent/Christmas thankfuls! Glad to have found your list through the Gratitude Community.