"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 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" (Philippians 2:14-15).
Wait! Another "all things" command!
(And there I go breaking it already)
Does it ever stick out to you how often people grumble? Complaining, murmuring, muttering under their breath...
Mom tells them to pick up their room.
Dad tells them not to come back too late.
The boss says, "We've got a new policy."
The teacher says, "Don't forget to study for the test on Friday."
It seems like grumbling is a natural, even expected, response.
And that's why Paul says that we can "shine as lights in the world" when we choose not to grumble or dispute.
In the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, that thinks it's perfectly normal to complain and argue, your choosing not to follow that pattern will make it clear to others that there is something different about you.
And really, that shouldn't be all that hard.
We just need to change our perspective.
It's not about me and what I want.
It's only temporary. Eternity is much longer than this short life with it's challenges.
It's an opportunity for me to grow in submission to authority.
Can you think of other perspectives that can be changed to help you shine in this dark world?
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