The Danger of Complaining and Quarrelling
By Kristen Terrette
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Philippians 2:14
Grumbling children make my teeth clench. If I ask my kids to clean their bathroom, they murmur about life being unfair and dispute whose turn it is to clean the toilet. It’s rather ridiculous how quickly their blessed lives seemingly become horrific nightmares, at one command from me, an authority figure in their lives.
I wonder how God feels when we’re discontent with His will.
In today’s verse, Paul, an early evangelist, instructed the ancient church in Philippi regarding how to live as Christ-followers. He told believers to do everything God asked without grumbling and arguing. Paul used the Greek word gongysmos for grumble, here and in 1 Corinthians 10:10, when he discusses the Israelites continuous displeasure while living in the desert. The secondary meaning of gongysmos—“done in secret,” or “behind one’s back,” reveals an additional level of disrespect for God.
As believers, we’re to walk in God’s will with full contentment. To do all things with joy and excitement, without hesitation or complaint. Our murmurings, complaints, and arguments regarding God’s leading likely reveal cracks in our faith and disbelief in God’s sovereignty.
When we find ourselves bemoaning our lives or circumstances, let’s repent and reestablish our faith. Let’s choose to trust. God’s ways and will for us are always best, no matter the situation.
Kristen Terrette holds a Master's degree in Theological Studies and served as a Children's Ministry Director for five years. She cherishes her Southern roots and currently lives forty-five minutes outside of Atlanta, GA. She’s following her dream by writing Christian during the day and being a wife and mom come early afternoon when the family starts to arrive home. She serves on the Wholly Loved Ministries team, serves at her local church on the women's leadership and teaching team, and writes for Crosswalk.com. To see her blog and novels, check out her website at www.kristenterrette.com.
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Originally published Friday, 21 January 2022.
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