Yesterday we posted about Paul’s call to the kingdom outpost in Philippians- that the “dark skies” of the culture they were in provided the perfect backdrop for “shining like stars” as they followed the way of Jesus and joined him on his redemptive mission in their city. It was a good reminder taken from our teaching on Sunday, but we’ve got a little more work to do in that text.
I also don’t want to miss this point: He succinctly and strategically points to a key symptom of lack of unity and trust- he pinpoints complaining and arguing. And he didn’t even have the internet. He knew from his experience in the Story of God and starting communities of light in dark cities, that one of the easiest ways to tell if hearts had drifted from their shared mission wasn’t the seemingly big activities of rebellion- it wasn’t how many murders were being committed in the church plant- it was often betrayed by the side conversations that happened. In modern times it was the side conversations out of the group chat. .
This is something we really need to pay attention to. In a culture where grumbling is commonplace- followers of Jesus are called to joyful dependence that God is at work even in the most miserable of situations. The good fruit, the light, the witness, comes as we experience those things and don’t give into grumbling or complaining. Paul wasn’t arbitrarily picking out sin- he was highlighting the commentary we get in the Pentateuch of how Israel often responded in the wilderness “with grumbling.” This movement of their mouths betrayed the conditions of their hearts, and it will for us as well. Grumbling and complaining is the opposite of the humble posture of Jesus and the pattern for the church.
Sometimes we call it “venting”
Sometimes we call it “just saying it like it is”… you know just quietly about a person instead of to them.
Sometimes we call it “prayer requests” and spill all the tea - rather than just bringing it to the Father and trusting him to work.
Paul would call it sin and say it’s to be avoided as the people of God.
In our MC’s and across our network of disciples our prayer is that we are a people who are lights in the darkness and who don’t snuff out that beautifully light with grumbling and complaining.
It may mean some texts go unanswered.
It may mean some conversations go awkward when we call others (gently) to repentance.
It may mean that we have to take an inventory of just how much complaining we may be participating in.
But following the way of Jesus leads to a full and flourishing life- one lived out of freedom and joy. And that will shine like stars in a dark sky!
Blessings this week as you continue to work out the implications of your salvation with a sober and awe-filled posture!