Do all things without grumbling or disputing. (Philippians 2:14 NASB)

I think he means don’t grumble about what you have to do unless you are really frustrated. And don’t dispute with your parent, spouse, or supervisor unless you really don’t like what you were told. No, Paul means what he wrote. God means what his word says. Having recently preached, over the course of four Sundays, from Romans 1:18-3:20 I am truly struck by the seriousness of sin and the clarity of commands. Our sinful nature always wants wiggle room. The Bible does not go for that.

Most of these explicit commands and demands are diagnostic tools that reveal flaws in our character. I am told not to grumble about doing what I ought to do, what is right, what is expected of me. Do not dispute (or complain (ESV) or argue (CSB)) with the one who has the authority to give you a task to do that is right and good and expected of you. Rather, do your work as unto the Lord (Col. 3:23); work hard (1 Thess. 4:11; 2 Thess. 3:10); and don’t be afraid to know that there is a reward for obedience (Eph. 6:3). Do you have gratitude? Do you know from whom all good things come? Are you willingly under authority?

I am afraid we just do not want to hear what God has to say. We often remain slaves to ourselves, our passions, our desire for ease.  We gloss over the clarity of God’s word as it describes the life and character of the one who has been set free from sin and from the power of sin and the world and the flesh and the devil. Consider a few more of these clear biblical instructions.

Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. (Eph. 5:4 CSB). These kinds of behaviors are not suitable for a Christian. There are things we ought not do or say or even think (or watch!). Rather, have gratitude.

My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. (James 1:19) There are should’s and ought’s in the life of faith. Let us not flee from them, but rather embrace them. How? Ask for help. He gives greater grace. (James 4:6a)

Finally, as we do things without grumbling or complaining, for example, there is an immediate effect, influence, and outcome. So that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. (Phil. 2:15) You benefit in growth in holiness or sanctification, you and your neighbors benefit from your good reputation, and God is glorified as you are his witness to the watching world.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please forgive me of my sins of grumbling and disputing. Change me. Please cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Thank you for the righteousness of Christ, for it is my only hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.