Philippians 2:14
“Do all things without complaining or arguments”.
The christian is to have a pleasant disposition. Yes, we all have different personalities, all the same fruit of the Spirit. That fruit is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control”, (Galatians 5).
We may feel frustrated and want to complain, but that is showing a lack of trust if we do it. God works all things for the good for His children ( Romans 8). We have to commit that to God. We pray and ask Him to help. He knows those feelings will arise. This is partially what it means to be blessed for being poor in spirit. We see our weakness and cry out to Him for help.
Lately I’ve been surprised how negative my demeanor has been. More of the same. We are far poorer than we think. I need to pray for His help. Before Christ I would have went along with the current of negativity and have been blind to it.
Matthew 16:24, ‘Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me”‘. It’s normal to sense that negativity, but it’s christian to deny it.
Complaining and arguing is what is done when others are present to hear it. It might be in response to what the group is doing. This is usually done when things aren’t done the way we want them to. We’re not getting our way. That’s natural to feel that way. Maturity doesn’t need to get it’s way. It’s part of being a team.
Depending on our role, it’s ok to share our opinion, but in a manner that isn’t demanding. It’s an insight. Another fruit of the Spirit is self control. We don’t let anger or a sour attitude take over.
We are to be a blessing. 2 Corinthians 2:15 says, “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” What a great picture. I think of the sweet aroma of an orange when peeled. It makes one’s mouth water. So, our attitude should be the fragrance of Christ. Others should be blessed by us. Not annoyed or wish we were gone.
Lord, thank You for making us aware of our negativity, but thank You even more that You help us. You take us who were wretches and could easily become that again and put in us Your Spirit and Your fruit and we become loving. So much so that we are the fragrance of Christ. Thank You.