February 2 - Reaction.

Philippians 2:14
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings:”
 
If we were all honest, we would all say that we struggle with this verse. I venture to say that any that would disagree need to put their pride aside, and admit the truth. This includes the eye-rolls as well as the huffs and puffs that we all have a habit of doing whether we realize it or not.
 
This is one of those verses that is easy to just read on past and pretend its not there. Verses 13 & 15 are much more encouraging, aren’t they? But verse 14 is just as important, and has been placed there for a purpose. It is just as inspired as the rest of the verses in chapter 2.
 
In verse 15 we find that we can be blameless, harmless, the sons of God, and without rebuke amidst of a perverse nation. We can shine as lights in this dark world. But in order to do that, we must do all things without murmuring and disputing. That’s the conditional part of this promise.
 
Our flesh gets the best of us more often than not, doesn’t it? Our carnality wants to make us roll our eyes when people are asked to help put up the chairs after an activity at church, or when youth workers are needed in the 4 year old class. When your boss asks you to do something that you would rather not, what is your reaction? Whether in the office, the classroom, the post office or the church house… “Do all things without murmurings and disputings.”
 
A friend of mine mentioned Colossians 3:17 to me one day. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” When he first quoted it, I was reminded of how I have used that verse as an encouragement for me to do my best whenever I’m serving Him. But my friend told me about how much he was convicted by that verse, and it opened my eyes at just how true that is.
 
What if Jesus Christ Himself asked for people to stack chairs after an event? What if He asked for workers in the 4 year old class? People would be lining up to work, and the chairs would have never been stacked up so fast.
 
But according to Colossians 3:17, we are commanded to do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus; and not only that, but to be thankful for the opportunity. If that’s not convicting about our murmurings and disputings, few things will ever reach our carnal hearts. 

Bible Reading:
Exodus 14-15 |  Matthew 12  |  Psalm 2