Lent Day 18/March 9
Philippians 2:14 reads, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing,”
Mentors hold a vision of you, the far better you. Those who inspire you to be better than you are in the moment do this because they never set your bar low. (And if you are half as smart/talented/amazing as they see you to be, you should thank them deeply if not daily because without them coaching, equipping, inspiring, instilling, investing and loving you, why, you really could be half of who you are.)
Here in Philippians, Paul sets the bar high. Actually, he sets it higher than we can actually reach. Do everything with grumbling? Without arguing? Whaaaat?
Paul does this bar setting for three reasons. First, understands you. Like those he is directly addressing (who also grumble and argue), he is not deaf. He is not blind.
Second, in emphasizing his theme for Christians to rejoice during times of suffering, he shares Christ's own example of humility (Philippians 2:1–11). Believers, he writes, are to look for the interests of others in addition to their own (Philippians 2:4). This happens only when we take on the humble attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5), which is expressed poetically in verses 6 through 11. The honor given Christ as a result of His modesty is that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:11).
Third, Paul emphasizes believers are lights in a world of darkness (Philippians 2:12–18). The contrast between light and darkness is a common scriptural theme. Light uncovers truth, and provides comfort and safety. Darkness is dangerous, insecure, and hides the truth.
Those who read Paul's letter are to continue in obedience by working out their salvation in "fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). In context, this is a command to show, in action, the reality of one's salvation. It is not a comment about "working for" salvation, but working out salvation, through one's life.
TRY IT: Far more than Paul, God knows you grumble and argue—a lot. He is the best mentor and coach because, as you work out salvation, you invariably see God working in you. And that? That is awesome.
PRAYER: I cannot do everything (perhaps even anything) without grumbling or arguing, Lord. But with You with me, I can keep trying. And this? This is not just my hope, this is my future. Amen.