Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be innocent and pure as God’s perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky.
Philippians 2, 14f
Without complaining or arguing… Well, are we really supposed to do everything that others tell us and accept everything as it is?
No, we should certainly not live immature and without critical reason in this world. But we should not complain about God like the people of Israel in the desert. Again and again they wailed that God does not give them enough to eat and to drink, and said that they rather want to die in the wilderness. They had no confidence in Him, although He cared for them in all respects. Again and again fear and doubt came up. This complaining is rebellion against God, the Father, who gives us everything in abundance.We should be completely doubtless when we obey God’s Word. Peter walked on the water, Jesus said to him: Come on! The other eleven disciples stayed in the dry boat; but Peter was out there on the water. Perhaps we feel that God wants us to do something specific, but we still have concerns. Then dare! God will stand by His word.
People without this criticism spirit, with confidence in their Lord, are like lights in a confused generation. God wants to use us! He cleanses us and gives us His Spirit so that we truly are children of God, holy and blameless and can show others the way to life. Let us keep closer to God and the word of life!
Thank you, Jesus, You make me a child of God; You make me pure so that I can blameless stand before God. I stick to Your word, the word that gives me life. Lord, maybe I’m not a nice lamp, but You want me to bring Your light of hope and life in the darkness around me. Please, give me more courage for that!
Bible reading today: 1. Peter 5, 1 – 14