Philippians 2:14-16a is on today’s list of “Do and Do Not” with regard to finding out how God expects us to conduct ourselves during this life on earth.
I believe that the Book of Philippians is a God inspired guideline for our walk and being in this world. And just as a reminder, the Book of Philippians is not the only book in the Bible to give advice for life. We have to take the whole of Scripture into consideration and it’s important to keep all of it in context.
Philippians 2:14-16a (NKJV)
Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life,
With this whole Covid-Virus thing going on around us, are we complaining and wanting our old life back? Yes, sometimes I get tired of not being able to travel. BUT I have nothing to complain about, really! We are very blessed. We live in a house along a dirt road, in the mountains away from many people. We can go outside whenever we want, the snow is beautiful, and we have everything we need—power, water and heat, food, love—and most of all a Father who provides for all our needs and supplies.
What do they say? “Count your blessings!” Yes, look at your blessings and don’t let Satan get into your mind provoking negative thoughts. Be thankful to God for all the blessings He sends our way and trust in Him.
Disputing / arguing
Do not argue! If someone asks you to clean a toilette even if it’s not your job, humble yourself and do it. Arguing will get you nowhere, it will create resentment.
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Be Christlike and humble like Him – imitate Him!
Verse 15 continues to give us an answer to why we shouldn’t complain and argue. Actually verse 15 in the NLT explains it for us:
Philippians 2:15 (NLT)
so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
We can achieve all of that by,
Philippians 2:16a (NLT)
Hold firmly to the word of life,
staying in God’s word, studying the Bible (preferably daily), getting to know God and establishing a personal relationship with Him. Someone once said that when our personal vertical relationship is in order all our horizontal relationships will work out.
Do you complain and argue?
Is your vertical relationship in order?
Feel free to leave me a comment; I would like to hear your thoughts on this.
I hope this post is an encouragement to you in your walk with the Lord.
Philippians 1:9-11 (NKJV)
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
To God be the Glory!
In my next post we will continue with Philippians 2:14-16a.
Holistic Nutrition Retreat 