Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world . . .
HOW CAN I EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE? -- DON'T COMPLAIN
One time at a fast-food restaurant in California, I walked past a man who seemed to try to indicate to me that he was homeless. While he was looking through the garbage can, he asked if I could help him. So I said "Sure," and came back out with a breakfast sandwich along with my order. To my surprise, the man refused the sandwich because "he didn't like it."
Have you had moments in your life where you have been on the receiving end of complaints? Maybe a coworker complained or blamed you for your work when you tried to help them. Maybe your elderly parent was upset with you as you helped them out of their home and into assisted living. Or maybe a sibling got mad at you for offering them godly advice "when they didn't ask for it."
The Philippian congregation was in a tough situation. They were on a main Roman highway and had heavy influence from Roman culture with all its crookedness and perversity, and they were extremely poor. Yet as you read the four short chapters you see that even out of their poverty they generously supported Paul and the work of the Gospel in their midst as well as abroad. Paul encouraged them in their behavior because they were NOT complainers. In fact, Paul used the word "joy" at least 15 times in his short letter to them. They were full of joy and love for their Lord Jesus Christ! Paul noticed.
Although they had their conflicts like any church today, Paul rejoiced in them and continued to encourage their thanksgiving and joy in Christ. Their Savior was the heart of their life. Jesus' mercy and love was the light that shone brightly in their hearts and overflowed with joy in work and witness!
We can learn a great lesson from the Philippians this Thanksgiving. Don't complain. Even though they were poor, they were rich in their joy in Christ. They showed it. Paul encouraged it. In reality, Paul, the Philippian Christians, and each one of us learn this lesson of not complaining by looking to our Lord and Savior. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Thank you, Jesus.
