Today’s Devotion
Topic: Stop Complaining & Arguing About Everything!
Text: Phil 2: 14 & 15
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Amen
“This command is too difficult,” you’d say; especially with the prevailing situation you find yourself. In your thoughts you really can’t see how anyone with your kind of spouse, boss, parent, child, lecturer, student, subordinate or job will not complain. That, to you, will be like filling a balloon with so much water daily till it implodes one day.
That is why you have explained to your friends, counsellor and pastor that to you, complaining is not a bad thing; it rather helps let your feelings out because if you don’t, you may implode.
You have also made them aware that arguing about everything has always been the way you express yourself to ensure dominance among your folks. Without that, you feel weak and vulnerable. Well beloved, you have a point. It makes a lot of logical sense, but remains defeated by spiritual reasoning.
First of all, the roots of complains and arguments are selfish in nature. They do not seek the mutual benefit of the parties involved; they project one as the “hero” and undermines the persona of the other. It projects you as the better one or victim of circumstances leaving the other party as the insensitive one.
Secondly, the motive of complaining and arguing is to destroy the other party to the outside world and display gross disappointment in whatever they stand for. Complaining destroys reputations fast because the other party may not be present to even know how you say about the situation, let alone defend him/ herself.
Lastly, complaining and arguing totally undermines the Word and plan of God for our lives. Those who complain or argue a lot are compelled to garnish what they say with lots of exaggerations, false accusations and lies making sin inevitable. They may even blaspheme against God through their faithless talk and sometimes against the very blessing they prayed unceasingly for.
Now note that any venture, word, motive or action that seeks to destroy another or undermine their personalities is not of God. The Bible advocates that we love God with our all, and love one another too. Jesus said that is how the world will know we are His disciples. (John 13: 35)
When you feel bitter about anything, by all means address it. Find the best approach and share your dissatisfaction respecting the integrity of the other. Where you realise it will not be prudent to voice out, tolerate for the sake of God’s word and pray about it. God may just be teaching you patience and endurance.
You can also decide that you will discuss your views rather than argue your way through everything. Discussions allow fair opportunities for either parties to explain their views for mutual solution. It projects no winners or losers, just the glory of God!
Remember, “when there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise.” (Prov 10 : 19 ) All who desire to be blameless and pure; Children of God without fault in a warped generation, must learn to do all things without grumbling and arguments.
This seemingly difficult command is made very easy when you do all things as unto God (Col 3: 23). Begin to pray now. Ask for love, tolerance and patience so that instead of destroying yourself and others through complains and arguments, you rather build the relationship through mutual love, honesty and respect knowing that the same measure you use to judge others will be used to judge you. (Mat 7: 2)
(www.yonghana.org; Like Our Facebook page: Y OUTREACH NETWORK )
