“Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.”
Philippians 2:14-18 CSB

I promise you, I hear “you make us do hard work” at least 3 times a week. And I guess for a 7 year old unloading the dishwasher or putting away his clean laundry is hard work. However, he often makes it harder than it has to be by grumbling, arguing and fighting about the work. I must say, too, that as a parent I am learning more and more about God’s patience and grace toward me, His child. That is why Paul reminds the Philippian church to make sure their attitude and their words are in check. “Do everything without grumbling and arguing.” That is often easier said than done.

Everything. What an all inclusive word! All of life. Every single bit with nothing left out. As a seven year old it is difficult to learn not to grumble or argue. As a nearly forty year old, this is difficult even still. A necessary difficult. One that takes into account more factors as we mature…relationships, careers, ministry, family, education, household responsibilities, finances, and the list could go on and on. This does not go without consequences. By having a cheerful, willing mind we have the opportunity to live blameless, pure lives before God and others. Not of our own doing but through Christ and a mind focused on Him.

By living in such a way we become like shining stars. Lights among the darkness shining the way to Christ for others. It gives testimony to our firm faith in Christ as Lord of our lives – how we live moment by moment and day by day. We can rejoice in a life lived in obedient faith to a kind and loving Savior. And that makes our work, no matter how difficult, worth it, that we can rejoice in Christ.

Much like the older brother in the story of the Prodigal Son, we can serve in our place with the wrong attitude and miss out on the blessings the Father desires us to enjoy. Blessings come from the overflow of relationship. They don’t always look like material possessions. Instead they look like joy, self control, love, gratitude, or grace.

Questions for Reflection:

• Do you have a cheerful, willing mind?
• Where do you try to reason out God’s leading?**
• Where are you called to be a shining light?
• What blessings have you received from having a right attitude before God?

Father, You have given us abundant joy if we will submit our attitudes, words and actions to You allowing You to change us from the inside out. Make us into stars that shine brightly before others so they may see You at work in us. Amen.

(** ask for clarification if needed)