Avoiding Strife

UV 969/10,000 Avoiding Strife “Do everything without complaining or arguing,” Philippians 2 v 14 The Lord expects us to engage in all that we do without murmuring or disputing among ourselves. When the Israelites murmured against Moses, the latter warned them that they were not complaining against him but against the sovereign Lord. The Lord had used Moses to lead them out of a greater evil- slavery and bondage in Egypt and they were complaining while on the journey to Canaan that they did not have meat to eat while back in Egypt, it was better as they were supplied meat by their Egyptian masters. The Lord had daily and faithfully provided them flakes known as manna that was sweeter than honey and in abundant quantity. Yet they were murmuring against God and the good man that God had chosen to lead them out of Egypt. When we complain and argue among ourselves, it is a sure sign that we are driven by the lusts of the world- to have more in less time. It is a sign that pride has taken root among us and we regard ourselves better than others. Indeed, pride causes strife and contention. When we murmur, it shows we are not listening to the voice of the Lord. When we complain and argue, it shows we are harbouring grudges against each other. We have not truly forgiven for we are not sure we have been truly forgiven. The destroyer of our souls uses this root of bitterness in us and causes it to grow that it will devour our souls. To avoid complaining and argument we need to give up our egos, our record of wrongs and our selfishness. It is envy that leads to the spirit of one-upmanship. In all lowliness of mind, we should assume that others are better than us. We must regard the interest of others before our own. We must know that Jesus the righteous Judge stands at the door. We must use our tongues not to complain or dispute with others but we should use it to wield the Word. When we use the Word of God, our tongue becomes like a hammer and a fire. As a hammer, it will demolish the tendency to find fault, the tendency to prove oneself right and others wrong. As a fire it will consume the evil that is afoot. When we live without complaining and arguing, holding onto the Word as the basis of our communication with each other, we become worthy children of God, blameless and harmless, without blemish or reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation and nation, shining lights in a world of darkness. We are to be imbued with the wisdom from above, the wisdom that the Holy Spirit gives- the wisdom that makes us pure, gentle, easy to be persuaded, full of fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and humility, free from partiality, insincerity and hypocrisy. We validate our faith when we live without strife and contention. Prateep V Philip