“Do all things without grumbling and disputing” (Philippians 2:15).
That’s a tough verse to talk about with your kids early in the morning! I mean there are beds to make, bedrooms to clean, clothes to put away, teeth to brush, not-your-favorite cereal to eat, and school to look forward to. The day could only get worse...
But then there’s Jesus, praying in the garden of Gethsemane, “Father, if it’s possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39). No, the only way is the cross. So without grumbling and disputing Jesus answered His heavenly Father, “not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt. 26:39)
With the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2), Jesus willingly, purposefully, obediently, trustfully, whole-heartedly took up the cross, carried it, was crucified to it, hung on it, and died on it, all without grumbling and disputing. Incredibly, from the cross He prayed, “Father, forgive them...” (Luke 23:34). From the cross He said to his disciple, “Behold, your mother!” (John 19:27). From the cross He promised a dying thief, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). There on the cross, Jesus was dying the worse death imaginable, being labeled the worst of the worst of the worst, without grumbling and disputing.
So, how about you and me? How difficult is our day, really? How hard are the things we’re being asked to do, honestly?
Paul commands us to do ALL things without grumbling. Not a few, not half, not most. All. Not only the things we like, but also the things we don’t. Those dishes that need washing? Without grumbling. That trash that needs removing? Without complaint. That task we’re being asked to complete? Without attitude.
Do ALL things without disputing. Not with a huff or a sigh. Not with a large scowl or loud feet. Not with arguing or negotiating. That person that needs your help? Without hesitation. That problem that needs your attention? Without criticism. That mis-understanding you need to clear up? Without excuses.
Ultimately, the absence of grumbling in Jesus’ mouth was the result of the presence of God’s love filling His heart.
May this same Jesus “dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)
PahUpb cheap ugg boots zoxhcu http://uggbootsukcheapugg.webeden.co.uk/ LbjPid UGG Boots UK ldstmz http://uggbootsukcheapshopuk.webeden.co.uk/ HpgDto ugg boots sale jriqff http://uggbootssaleuk2013.webeden.co.uk/ UtfIbr UGG Boots Sale sbnuvj http://uggbootssalesukuk.webeden.co.uk/ KkrSla ugg boots uk fulgjf http://cheapuggbootssaleshop.webeden.co.uk/ KhmAgt Cheap UGG Boots tumfxp http://cheapuggbootssaleukshop.webeden.co.uk/ RkqXhq cheap ugg boots sale mcwarq http://cheapuggbootsuk2013.webeden.co.uk/ AxfYtb UGG Boots Sale pmjsmh http://cheapuggbootsuksaleuk.webeden.co.uk/
Posted by: rottoffique | 11/01/2012 at 08:24 PM