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LIFE MATTERS DISCUSS - A THANKFUL HEART S57E06


TOPIC: HABITS OF A THANKFUL HEART

KEY BIBLE VERSE: _Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 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, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain_ .
Philippians 2:12‭-‬16 ESV

Quit Your Bellyaching
Do all things without grumbling or questioning. (Philippians 2:14)

In The Great Divorce, C. S. Lewis describes a grumbling spirit who finds herself in hell. A lifelong habit of complaining consumed her entire personality. Eventually, there was nothing left of her but a grumble, “going on forever like a machine.”

It’s tempting to think that complaining is no big deal because it seems like a natural response to disappointment or frustration. But complaining is a cancer on our spiritual life. It is the symptom of an unhealthy sense of pride, and it signals a profound ingratitude for what God in his providence is doing in our lives.

Paul follows the Christ-hymn with the exhortation to “do everything without grumbling.” The connection is clear: if we truly understand what Jesus did to reconcile us to God, we will be filled with such gratitude and joy that we will humbly endure difficult circumstances without complaining. More than that, we will serve others, even if they don’t appreciate it, because we desire to show the world the same love that Christ showed to us.

When we grumble, we reveal the real motivations for our service: self-glorification and self-satisfaction. Complaining flows from a feeling of entitlement—from the belief that we are getting less than we deserve. But a Christian remembers that were it not for Christ’s loving sacrifice all we would deserve is hell. This humility allows us to swallow our pride and be thankful.

Reflect: When you are tempted to complain, compare your discomfort to what Christ endured for you.


PLS STAY TUNED FOR CONTINUATION TOMORROW BY GOD'S GRACE!


REMEMBER, WE LOVE YOU BUT GOD LOVES YOU MORE, STAY BLESSED, FOCUSED AND BE DETERMINED TO STAND OUT!

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