Lights on High
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:14:15
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…
I can honestly say that she was generally a loving and good person, a person whose name I will withhold. She has gone to be with the Lord now, but back then she was active in church life, the type of person you could count on to be engaged and involved, not merely attending but helping in the work of the church.
She also had a prideful and stubborn streak. She was pretty sure her way was the right way, and oft expressed that in an unkind way. One Wednesday she was tasked with helping another couple prepare a pre-prayer meeting meal. She didn’t like their choice for the main course. To be honest, it wasn’t my favorite either.
I walked into the kitchen and the tension was palpable. I greeted her. She grumbled something about the food. I stopped and looked at her and said, “You know, it isn’t my favorite either, and I probably won’t eat much. But I’m not coming here for food. After the service, I can stop by somewhere and get something if I’m still hungry. It is what they like and what they like to cook. You have no reason or right to be upset about that.”
She looked at me thoughtfully and grew quiet. I left. She calmed down. Later she apologized. I explained that when we allow ourselves to behave that way we cause division and relationships get broken in ways that are hard to fix. I suggested that if she couldn’t work joyfully, then she shouldn’t do it at all.
Paul is warning against the dangers of grumbling and disputing in our work. He exhorts that whatever we are doing should be done without complaint. Better yet, do everything with joy and do it as unto the Lord.
Grumbling and disputing in and about the work and obligations we have undermines our witness. We don’t appear to be children of God and our light grows dimmer when we act that way. Joyful working is like turning on the high beams in your car.
