Are You A Complainer?
BRD REFLECTIONS
Philippians 2 and Psalm 105:1-22 (NIV)
(Ruth Tan, Assistant Zone 11 Leader, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Philippians 2 and Psalm 105:1-22 (NLT)
OBSERVE:
As I read the teachings of Apostle Paul’s letter in verses 3 and 4, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too,” I thought to myself, this is not the world’s teaching. In Singapore, some take pride in being known to have the 2K characteristic; “Kiasu and Kiasi”. Many feel they are entitled, rather than take an interest in others.
Then Paul wrote verse 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing. In the NIV, it is written as 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing. One common outstanding characteristic of a Singaporean, in my opinion, is the habit of complaining; sometimes masked as giving feedback.
Paul reminds us to have the mindset of Christ, to have the attitude of Christ, to imitate our Lord Jesus’ humility, to shine brightly for Christ. How is this possible? How can I be different?
APPLY:
If I truly love the Lord, shouldn’t I be grateful and not grumble? This quote by Billy Graham is a good suggestion to be mindful of, “Grumbling and gratitude are, for the child of God, in conflict. Be grateful and you won’t grumble. Grumble and you won’t be grateful.”
Psalm 105:1 “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” How do I let the whole world know about God’s greatness, if I only look into my own interests? Will banging tables, writing on Facebook complaining about restaurants’ services, grumbling and complaining about fellow ministry volunteers, arguing till I win a point or get my way show I am shining for Christ?
On the contrary, people will probably point at me and say, “What kind of Christian are you?” As a Christian, I must do my utmost best to love others, with the Lord’s help. Be conscientious at being an intentional disciple, be united with fellow small group members and leaders for the Lord. Read the Bible and apply its teachings in my daily living so others may see the transformation in me.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
This song “May the mind of Christ” is a favourite song which I sing most of the time, desiring to live my life to bring glory to His name.
May the mind of Christ, my Saviour, live in me from day to day, by His love and power controlling all I do and say.
May the Word of God dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour, so that all may see I triumph only through His power.
May the peace of God my Father rule my life in everything, that I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me, as the waters fill the sea; Him exalting, self abasing, This is victory.
DO:
- Not to complain or grumble when I am interrupted by any circumstances especially when I am busy. Be thankful and gracious to the person involved.
- Not to complain or grumble when I am tasked to hold more responsibilities and assignments. Be grateful and humble.
- Be careful not to join the band of complainers and before I open my mouth to complain or grumble, meditate on Philippians 2:14.
PRAY:
Dear Father God,
Fill me with your love, to love others. Fill me with your compassion to be gracious and caring. Control my thoughts and my mouth to speak love and kindness. I pray and ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.
