PHILIPPIANS 2:14

“Do all things without complaining or arguments;”

Oh me, oh my! This verse hits home, doesn’t it. How many times have you complained about something in the past month? For me, it’s traffic. For the life of me I will never understand why people can’t just drive and let people merge without slamming on their brakes. It drives me crazy! Look, there I go! Complaining!

Paul would not have written this to the Philippians if they had not needed to hear it. I don’t care how spiritual you are, we are all prone to complain or argue at some point. Paul says, “Do all things…” The Greek word for “all” means (Are you ready? Can you handle this?) ALL. It means the whole picture, each and every piece which make up the whole. In other words, EVERYTHING!!

APPLICATION

I really don’t think we need to spend any more time on the word “all.” I think you understand that. But what about those other two words in this verse – “complaining” and “arguments”? Let’s look at them, beginning with “complaining.” That’s the Greek word goggusmos, which can be translated as murmuring, grumbling or muttering. The word is only used three other times in the New Testament (John 7:12; Acts 6:1 and 1 Peter 4:9). In the 1 Peter verse, it reads, “Be hospitable to one another without complaint.” That’s easier said than done, isn’t it?

The other word Paul uses is dialogismos, which means futile thinking or reasoning. The Topical Lexicon describes it this way. “Here, the term is associated with disputes and arguments that can arise from selfish ambition or vain conceit, contrasting with the humility and unity that should characterize the Christian community.” How are you doing with that one?

I really like the Amplified Bible’s translation of this verse. “Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God],” You see, that is what we are doing when we complain, grumble, argue, whine, etc. We are questioning God’s providence. We are questioning God’s sovereignty. Trust Him (Are you listening to yourself, Carl?). We can all make some changes on these today, can’t we?

Father, allow me to trust You in all things and not complain or argue.