Saturday Story Time – Jimbob Complaining Explaining

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. Philippians 2:14-15 NIV.

I would not have thought that my speech would be one of the delineating markers between myself and this wicked and perverse generation, but Paul believes this to be true. So much preaching and teaching zeros in on our conduct of the don’ts, like “Don’t smoke, don’t chew and don’t go with girls who do”.

Paul clearly believes that not complaining or arguing is a move toward Christian purity. Notice the contrast words, blameless, pure, without fault, shining like a star. These expressions are true for the people who have avoided complaining and arguing.

Just a filler note. The greek word for arguing is dialogismos which has it roots in reasoning from within one’s self. Helps Word studies gives some greater clarity 

1260dialogízomai (from 1223/diá, “thoroughly,” which intensifies 3049/logízomai, “reckon, add up”) – properly, go back-and-forth when evaluating, in a way that typically leads to a confused conclusion. The term implies one confused mind interacting with other confused minds, each further reinforcing the original confusion. And our verb dialogismos is understood as “back-and-forth reasoning“) – reasoning that is self-based and therefore confused – especially as it contributes to reinforcing others in discussion to remain in their initial prejudice.

The same word in Luke 24:38 is used when Jesus questions them about their doubting his resurrection. a deliberating, questioning, about what is true: Luke 24:38; when in reference to what ought to be done, hesitation, doubtingSo my filler explanation took a little longer. This word is more than disagreement, rather it captures the idea of division over what should be plainly true from God’s word. People are debating over obedience to God’s purposes. From the beginning mankind has struggled with knowing what God has really said AND obedient submission to that knowledge.

HELPS Word-studies

How do you stop complaining and arguing when you think others need to see “truth” from your perspective?

• Complaining and thanksgiving are mutually exclusive activities. Let your words live, breathe, and move on the thanksgiving side of the field.
• If there has been an injustice (something you are offended by) ask God what is your role in loving justice and mercy.
• Use the “consider others as more important than yourself” as a filter for whether you would want someone saying the same complaining things about you. Sorry, the “ I would never do that” excuse does not justify your freedom to complain about the situation.
• Remain sensitive to the presence of the Holy Spirit. Even though He remains present always, He appears to step aside while we beat our chest to exalt our views of how right we are. “Being right” rarely influences others to see God’s love for them.
• There is a time to speak and a time to be silent. Take the time of silence to ask God for wisdom and help in responding.

Let’s recap. Stop complaining and arguing. An aroma of peace and purity fills the home where thanksgiving for God and one another is the predominant interaction.

Let’s shine like stars – choose our words wisely.

Blessings Love y’all