Chapter 2 of Philippians begins with these wise and practical words, “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” (1-3).

These are the requirements that Paul is reminding the Philippians of how to be like Christ. Paul is a heavy hitter when it comes to instructions to Christians. They’re always laced with love and humility. He has a way of centering all of our behavior and attitudes around the character of Christ. He sets this chapter up with a list of Christ-like attributes that should be reflected in our conduct and attitudes toward one another. With this foundation, we can obey not for the sake of obedience, but because it brings unity and glory to God. He wants the Philippians to pay attention to these mandates even when he is absent.

In verses 14, he says, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” When people grumble and dispute, it is because they are dissatisfied with something and that leads to strife. Complaining is contagious. It spreads rapidly. Nothing has changed down through the centuries regarding our propensity to complain. We are surrounded by a cacophony of complaining and griping. It’s on social media and on every network we tune into. It wouldn’t be a typical day if we didn’t have anything to complain about.

Our grumbling and complaining are usually directed at other people. It happens in our homes with family members, in a work environment, and is most prevalent in our churches. It’s funny as I was typing the word grumbling; the auto type came up with crumbling. A very descriptive word of what actually happens when we engage in this kind of behavior. The disintegrating of family relationships, workplace relationships, and church ministries can be crippled or even destroyed.

God takes grumblers and complainers very seriously. Throughout the book of Numbers, we see how God responded to complainers. The children of Israel found out first hand. Some were burnt, others died of a plague, some were swallowed up in the earth. That’s a whole lot of carnage. Numbers 11:1 says, “Now as the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord; and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.” The people of Israel not only complained about the manna God provided, but we see Moses complaining to God about the people. Sadly, even Moses’ own family murmured against him.

This shows the weight and destruction that grumbling and complaining have on those who have to listen to it. Listen in on a tongue in cheek conversation as a few Israelites complained about the manna. “I’m fed up with this manna. I’ve fried, boiled, roasted, fricasseed, barbecued, and even tried to freeze-dry it, and by the way, it’s all Moses fault.” Poor Moses, no wonder he wanted to die. Can this happen to us? Are we guilty of this? Rhetorical questions, of course. The answer is yes, we do whine.

Discontentment is at the heart of this. We see throughout the Bible a thread of discontentment starting with Adam. Nothing good comes from it, and nothing ever will. Grumbling and complaining have cousins. They are gossip and slander. We seldom keep our complaining to ourselves. We disguise it as a concern or a prayer request. We think we’re helping when we pass on a complaint. We involve people who are not part of the problem, which means they’re not part of the solution either. We have this misconception that the more people who agree with our complaint somehow validates and gives legitimacy to it. That might involve family members, coworkers, or Christian friends. Granted, there are times we need a good friend to confide in or a wise counselor, but we first should go to God and seek His wisdom and counsel.

Verse 15 gives us a reason why we aren’t to grumble or complain. It says, “so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.” In other words, the world is watching and listening to us as believers. How are we different from the world when it comes to grumbling and complaining? The word reproach means strong criticism or dishonor. We are to be above that.

Sobering reminders about grumbling and complaining:

1. We won’t grumble and complain about each other if we have the mindset of striving to be like Christ.

2. We won’t grumble and complain If we regard one another as more important than ourselves.

3. We won’t grumble and complain if we remember how seriously God takes it (James 5:9).

4. We won’t grumble if we remind ourselves that this is what the enemy uses to cause division. Ask yourself, “Why would I be part of his evil schemes?”

5. Our children, whether small or grown, will pick up on this sinful behavior. Don’t create a legacy of complainers.

6. Complaining is really a lack of trust in God.

7. Exchange grumbling and complaining for gratitude and thanksgiving.

If we are to appear as lights in the world, then our words and attitude should shine and reflect His glory. Aren’t you glad that we don’t live in old testament times? Or we all would be quite crispy.

Lamentations 3:39 “Why should any living mortal, or any living man. Offer complaint in view of his sins.”