I've been reading through Philippians lately and coming across v. 14-15 of chapter 2 had me in contrition.
"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..."
Now if anyone has known me long enough, or been around me lately, I've been kind of a sour puss. It's stupid I know. But I have. I've found that I've (again) been discontent and have been grumbling and complaining about pretty much anything. If I haven't with my words, my actions have most definitely spoken volumes, and for the example I've been setting I can't apologize enough.
In this passage, for being blameless and without blemish, Paul uses the Greek word 'amometos', which is named after the greek deity Momus, who was a god known for being very judgmental, finding fault in everyone and everything... So as if to say, "we should conduct ourselves in such a way that even Momus can't find fault in you. "
Well I didn't need a greek god to point out my flaws. I've had friends ever so kindly point it out to me (not sarcasm). But me being the sinful idiot I am, have brushed it off. Typical.
Here I am complaining about stupid petty things that in the grand scale and eternal aspect of it all mean absolutely nothing. Then there's Paul... Who's already been through a lot, sitting in prison writing these words. I mean if anyone had room to complain just a teensy bit, it would have been Paul. Nope. He doesn't.
So to anyone who bothered to read this, consider the example it sets when we gripe and complain. It makes the Christian life not look so hot. It sets the example that Christ isn't enough. How do you think God feels? After all He's given us, we complain.
I'm reminded of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (I know you've all seen it), and that spoiled brat Veruca whose parents had given her everything she's asked. And you know what her reaction was!? "Daddy, I want a pony!" Oh no she didn't! Well yeah she did, and so do I. All. The. Time.
So if you're in the same boat as me and have found yourself being discontent lately, well, stop it. God's not going to give you a pony with that attitude. God didn't even have to wake you up with morning, yet He did. But overall this is all more for me than anyone else. God bless.