Last Sunday we heard from God’s Word:  “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 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” (Philippians 2:14-15).  “All things”—not just when events go your way or life is easy.  Even when you’re wronged you can pursue the right in a way that expresses calm, humble reliance on God. 

We’ve seen this connection before:  as salt and light, disciples of Jesus stand out and make an impact (Matthew 5:13-16); by loving one another, the church fellowship is distinguished from a harsh world (John 13:35); through the oneness of the unique body life of believers, the world sees evidence of the truth of the gospel of Christ (John 17:20-23).  Followers of Jesus are different from non-believers, and thus we’re positioned to make a difference in the world for the eternal good of people along our path. 

Back to grumbling:  from social media to cable news to our own worst impulses, grumbling and fault-finding and moaning are all around us—it’s the air we breathe.   Unless, of course, we’re given spiritual oxygen by God, enabling us to live contentedly.  And that is precisely what the Bible says can and should happen. 

By the power of God’s Spirit among us, and with encouragement from one another, a non-grumbling demeanor can be ours.  And when it is, our glad reverence for God will stand out like a brilliant, beautiful floodlight here in this sin-darkened world.

To put it negatively:  a life of murmuring and complaining driven by glass-half-empty pessimism dims our witness, with the result that we blend right in with all the other contentious, restless, murmuring souls that walk this earth. 

So, where’s your heart?  Has God’s Spirit quietened your grumble-reflex and reoriented your mind to be still—despite life’s trials—as you live out your faith in Jesus before a watching world?