"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 2:14-16)
Of all the churches the Apostle Paul sent letters to, the church at Philippi was unique in that Paul did not feel the need to sternly rebuke them for much unholy conduct. In fact, one commentator says:
"Many of Paul's letters were called fourth by the need to set things right in a given church, to oppose false teaching, or to correct lax practice. But Philippians is that comparative rarity: a letter to a church of Paul's own foundation with which he is, on the whole, well pleased."In contrast to the other churches Paul visited, the Philippians seemed to have a lot going for them. However, they were not the "perfect church". In his letter, Paul urges them to continue to obey and to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling", suggesting that God is still at work among them (2:12-13).
But the very next verse catches my attention. Paul says:
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing,"The church at Philippi may not have needed much rebuke, but Paul recognizes that if their spiritual progress was being hindered it was because they were complaining and arguing among themselves. We know that this was Paul's greatest concern for them because of how he continues:
"...that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish..."When we think about the character of the Philippians, this verse is very insightful. We can assume that they were morally upstanding, loving, prayerful, faith-filled churchgoers, who were not given to sinful practices. But if anything, they would complain and argue amongst themselves from time to time. This kind of behavior may have been subtle, and perhaps overlooked by the people. Nevertheless, it was the one thing that was inhibiting them from being blameless and innocent.
Paul knew that if the people could live in a peaceful and self effacing manner, it would set the church of Philippi apart from the rest of their city. He takes this idea even further by suggesting that by living this way they would "shine as lights in the world". To take this idea a little further: grumbling or disputing could have encumbered their evangelism. What a sobering thought even for the church today! We can live lives transformed by the grace of God, yet still allow our Godly witness to be diminished by our quarreling and complaining. Paul desires that that the church be "...without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation...", and that their contentment and peace with each other would be a testament of God's work among them.
Here's a final thought that comes to mind when reading this passage. Contentment in life and peace among men is directly related to our blood-purchased identity as children of God. Because of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ in our place, and his imputed righteousness to us, we can rejoice in our newfound status of sons and daughters of God. When Paul reminds the Philippians of their identity (2:15), he is is saying, "Think for a minute how a father cares for his children and provides for their needs. This is how God cares for you". Once we realize who we are and what we've been given in Christ, we have no reason to grumble or complain.
Lastly, this identity as "children of God" promotes peace among believers. Later in his letter, Paul urges two people to "agree in the Lord", and reminds them that they have "labored side by side with [him] in the Gospel" (4:2-3). If Paul were here today, he would exhort them by saying, "Look, we're on the same team! No dispute between you is as important as the advance of God's kingdom."
A grumbling heart can seem subtle, and often times I can find myself hell-bent on winning an argument. But God's word is clear. "Do all things without grumbling or disputing..." If Paul found it fitting to charge the Philippians with this command, I should also consider if my attitude reflects my identity as a child of God.
