My kids often grumble before dinner, “Aww, mom, I set the table last night, do I have to do it again?” Yes. Yes, you do. We all have to do things we don’t like. They are not the only ones. When I see the trash piling up, I grumble inside my head too, do I have to do this again? Yes, each and every time, I have to do it. Again and again. Life is full of mundane tasks and obligations, that aren’t always fun. I read this bible verse this morning.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
– Philippians 2:14-16 NIV
In addition to the grumbling, a few things struck me. The first is the crooked and warped generation. Wait, what? When was this written? I thought we were living in the crooked and warped generation now. In biblical times, humans had the same sins manifested in different ways. They weren’t blasting their sins all over social media, but they sinned just as we do. So, how do I not get bogged down in sin and mundane duties in life?
We need to “hold firmly to the word of life” and we will shine like stars. I love this comparison, who wouldn’t want to be like a sparkly star? I often hear that the bible is the living word of God. The bible is the “word of life”. As I dig deeper in my growing relationship with God, I see so many beautiful truths in the bible that make me feel happy and bright inside, and I hope that God’s light will shine through me.
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
– Philippians 2:12-13 NIV
I have to remind myself not to grumble. Instead, I need to ask God how I can fulfill his good purpose in my daily life. And, hopefully God will shine through me.
Embrace This Beautiful Life 