Philippians

"Do everything without COMPLAINING or ARGUING, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold the word of life." (Philippians 2:14-15)


I was looking for a passage of comfort tonight in my devotions and whining to myself about insignificant things in my day, when I came across this passage. I memorized it a long time ago in high school when Mr. Hannula did a devotional on these verses. But I've clearly forgotten and ignored them. What a wake up call.

Do "EVERYTHING without arguing or complaining". That doesn't give me a whole lot of room for excuses: no "buts" and "why's" and "how comes". I wish I could find some way around it, that there was an exception because thinking of all the times I've complained in the last day alone shows my less than stellar track record. I'd be lying if I wanted to do this, but the pure in heart are those who will see God. And I want to see God. So please forgive me, Jesus, so that I might see your face, for as the Song of songs says, "your voice is sweet and your face is lovely."