Thursday, December 15, 2011

Without complaining

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
                             Philippians 2:14-15 NIV

Yes, I know that Scott has already written on the above passage; however our takes are different enough that the Spirit leads me to blog on the same passage.  My thoughts on this passage lead me to consider how the Bible is complete, concise and points in and to itself.

When the topic of complaining or arguing comes up, my thoughts tend to consider how infectious and divisive the complaining was to the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. How the rabble among the Israelites, by discussing how 'good' it was in Egypt, led the Israelites to strongly consider returning to Egypt.  This is not what we are to do.  We are to be Spirit led and to forge on to proclaim the Good News to all by our lives, actions and words.

Considering a depraved status; The Bible reads in Romans 1:28 "Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.  We are to focus on God, on Christ, by the Spirit; to retain knowledge of God, to avoid a depraved status.

Considering shining like the stars in the universe; connects us as offspring of Abraham.  Remember the promise given to Abraham in Genesis 22?  God said, "I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.

As we read today's passage; we can consider many major biblical events, the exodus, instructions to the Romans, and a promise to Abraham.

How do you reflect as you read a passage of scripture?

Pray that the Spirit allow your readings to be vivid and alive.

In Christ,


David P

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