Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure… (Philippians 2:14-15 NIV, 1-20-15)

Grumbling and arguing vs blameless and pure. Normally I don’t think of those pairs as being in an opposing relationship. But Paul sees them as mutually exclusive. Apparently, the first two prevent the second two.

I do see that people who spent their time grumbling and arguing rarely have joy, but I never thought about how it also blocks them from becoming the people God wants them to be, including being blameless and pure. They can’t be lights for God in our corrupt generation. (If you whine you won’t shine, I guess you could say.)

So, two things. One, I can’t let myself descend into grumbling and arguing. And two, I need to promote joy, because joy is the antidote for grumbling and arguing.

[Father, help me to live joyfully and help others do the same.]