“Do everything without complaining and arguing” (Philippians 2:14 NLT).
Today as I scanned through Scriptures to find one to post on Facebook as I do everyday, the words from Philippians 2:14 “jumped off” the computer screen at me. My mind began to dissect the phrases of this short verse.
“Do everything…”
Everything means all things. Not just those things that make me happy. But even those things that are unpleasant.
“without complaining…”
To complain means “to express grief, pain, or discontent.” (M-W.com) So the way I understand this passage is I’m to do all things without expressing any discontent about doing it.
Things such as cleaning house, paying bills, waiting on customer service to pick up the phone, waiting in the check out line, filing papers, and so forth.
The opposite of complaining is expressing gratitude. To do something without complaining, I begin to give thanks.
“Thank You Lord You gave me a house to keep clean.”
“Thank You Lord that You provide the finances to pay my bills.”
“Thank You Lord for the person who will assist me on the phone.”
“and arguing.”
How am I to disagree without arguing? I suppose it is possible, but I’m stilling learning how. I’ve been married to my husband for over 30 years years and I still have arguments with him.
The opposite of arguing is to make peace. So there are times I must just it let go. And we have learned to forgive one another quickly, especially before the sun goes down each day.
So the two things we can do without is: complaining and arguing. To do without those, we must do the opposite which is to express gratitude and make peace.
I’m still a work in progress and will put these into practice today. If you have mastered this, I’d love to hear from you!
