Devotional

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” —Philippians 2:14 

 “How is everything?” Servers ask this all the time. 

 Do they really mean everything? Were you to answer, “I have some sort of athlete’s foot rash that started a few days ago and…” they’d quickly amend their inquiry: “How is everything with your meal?” 

 This verse would be so much easier if it read “Do many things without grumbling…” or even “Do most things without grumbling…”  

 But Paul used the word “everything” and meant it—in the original Greek language, “everything” is emphatic. 

 And context makes it even more so. First, the apostle encouraged the church at Philippi to imitate Christ in humility—“who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7).  

 Next, he admonished them: “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12-13). 

 Then, “do everything without grumbling.” 

 Be humble like Jesus. It is God who is at work in you to fulfill His good purpose. Are you grumbling?  

 This very short verse is another we need to be intentional about applying. We all face times and situations throughout the day that frustrate or even anger us. In these moments, God would have us adopt a humble, self-sacrificing, servant attitude.  

 We live in a world that loves to grumble and argue—take a look at social media. God would have us stand in contrast, being known for the way we love and serve others. 

 Take a moment today to consider those things that tend to ignite grumbling within you. Pray for God’s grace. 

 My prayer for this week: 

Heavenly Father, I want to imitate Jesus in humility and patience. I don’t want grumbling to taint my testimony before others. I want my attitude to reflect the joy I have in you. Please give me grace today and this week to evaluate, and, where necessary, adjust, my attitude. May your good purpose be fulfilled in me!