Monday Devotion - 27th July 2020
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:14-15
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 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,
We all know a complainer. Someone who just loves a good moan, regardless of whether it is warranted or not. It doesn’t matter what the situation, if it isn’t perfect, it isn’t good enough.
There is a particular group in our society that perfectly encapsulate this characteristic — and that group of people are football fans. Have you ever been to a match or even sat with a friend watching a game on the television and they just complain, moan or gurn (a phenomenal Northern Irish word) about everything.
Whenever I was growing up watching my local football team, there was quite literally a part of the terracing around the pitch that was called ‘moaners corner’. It was a place where all the men (usually elderly) congregated and simply berated the referee, sideline, opposition fans and every player on the pitch. Thankfully, that terracing was destroyed and it no longer exists.
Now I suppose what I have presented thus far is rather tongue and cheek. It is not overtly sinister behaviour. However there is a manor of complaining that is serious and it is what the Apostle Paul turns to now.
Last week, in verses 12-13, the Apostle had began talking about sanctification and outlining its essence. Now from verses 14-18 he specifically looks at some areas of practical, every-day guidance for Christians to be aware of. This week we will focus on verses 14-15.
Paul starts with ‘grumbling’ and ‘disputing’ and it is important to properly understand what Paul is specifically referring to. Grumbling refers to a muttering or murmuring under ones breath. It is an internal frustration that is not verbally articulated. Whereas, disputing refers to arguing and debating. But it arises from a contentious spirit within a person.
As we think of these two together, a balanced approach should be implemented. For instance we do not want to go down the line and say that all disputing is wrong and sinful. Very much there may be times when a believer should question or oppose a decision, if that decision stands against biblical truth.
And I think it is helpful in our understanding of this passage to be reminded of the context. Remember these words are being addressed to Christians that are apart of a local church. Therefore, the wrongdoing of grumbling and disputing is first and foremost a church fellowship matter. Paul is making us think about how we think and act in relation to our church family.
Though we do not want to legalistically confine this command to the church. It legitimately can be related to our everyday lives.
As we stop and pause to think about grumbling and stumbling, particularly within our lives, it is all too easy to progressively fall into these sins, isn’t it? It can grow and sprout within our hearts without us really knowing.
Think of it this way. Something happens in church, someone says something you don’t like. You log it in your brain. An opinion is formed. You don’t talk to that person for a long time. An unjustified resentment builds. You still don’t do anything to guard your heart and before you know it you are tutting and rolling your eyes at that person as they walk into church.
All of this leads to disunity within the church, which Satan loves to see. So we need to be on guard to check our hearts often for this area of temptation. If disunity occurs out of grumbling and disputing, then this is where the faith of individuals is damaged and the witness of the local church is ruined.
We need to be people who are swift to act. Habitually repenting and praying to God to steer us away from acquiring a contentious spirit.
Why are we to act like this? So that we will be blameless and innocent, and shine as lights in the world (verse 15). In the arena of a twisted and crooked world, our unity and harmony as the children of God will be like a sweet and savouring aroma.
And as we shine, we direct those around us to the light of the world, our saviour Jesus Christ.
Paul’s words here are a call to the Philippians to be distinct in their lives, and in so doing will be sanctified.