“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” (Philippians 2:14-15)
I heard somebody say recently, “What other people think of me is none of my business.” That’s a sticky idea that is both true and false, I think. The true part of it is that I cannot hope to make people judge me fairly. I can’t expect that everyone will like me for who I am. I shouldn’t make it my job in relationships to be universally accepted. Some people will like me; others won’t. That’s okay.
But in the verses we’ll notice today and tomorrow, Paul says that statement is also false. What others think of us as Christians is exactly our business. Why? Because people will base their opinion of Jesus on how much of Him they see in us. Our reputation can attract seekers to life in Christ — or make them want to gag at the thought of being “one of us.”
How to be attractive? Paul says, “Don’t complain.” “Don’t argue.” That will lead toward our being “blameless” (no obvious big failings in our lives) and “pure” (belonging only to God). We will become known as God’s children — good kids who stick out in a generation that loves to do wrong.
Think: Be honest with yourself. What does the reputation of you and your Christian friends together say about Jesus?
Pray: Ask God for the self control to obey Him so you can shine for Him in your generation.
Do: Listen to yourself today. Write down on a list every time you complain or argue. If it’s a lot, track it every day this week and see if you do it less by thinking about it more.