Do all things without grumbling or disputing (Philippians 2:14 ESV)

Paul told the Philippians to do all things without grumbling, complaining, disputing, or arguing. This commandment from the Lord is simple yet profound. Notwithstanding, it is not so easy to do in practice, especially in today’s world, where the number of reasons to complain and grumble increases by the minute. 

Yet the Lord’s instruction is simple: “do all things without grumbling or disputing.” As doers of the Word by the power of the Spirit, it is our responsibility to align our lives with the Word irrespective of the situation or our personal tendencies. Some believers naturally do not grumble. Others, however, complain a lot, while many are probably somewhere in between and grumble sometimes.

Grumbling was one of the major offenses of the Israelites in the wilderness. The people murmured and grumbled against Moses and Aaron because they did not have water. The Lord was not pleased with that event. Though they had a need and were in distress, the Lord wanted them to trust Him rather than grumble and complain in their tents. Their grumblings and murmurings were visible and objective evidence they were not dependent on God. Paul later told the Philippians how to avoid grumbling by being anxious for nothing but committing everything unto the Lord in prayer( Phil. 4:-7).

MEDITATE

Please take a moment to review Philippians 2:14 above and meditate on this verse. Then, think about what it means and say those words out loud.

APPLY THE WORD

The application of this devotional is simple: the next time a situation comes your way that typically makes you grumble, remember this Word and do it. Do say to yourself, “well, that is just me. I can’t help but grumble.”! You are a child of God, and the Spirit of the Lord is in you. He wants us to be doers of His Word.

PRAY

Ask the Father to strengthen you to keep this simple but challenging commandment. 

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