Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Without complaining and grumbling

"Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless."

Philippians 2:14-16

Lately that verse has been really convicting and I have had it weigh on my spirit. This is my 2014 New Years Resolution/Challenge. I have found that in recent years my go to when the going gets tough is to complain and argue that situation. I have looked/still look to blame rather than find a solution to difficulties. I have found that from this complaining attitude it has further turned into discontentment and bitterness. I have found that complaining quickly can turn into gossip to take attention away from myself. 

I've been seeking to have more thankfulness, contentment (which I have found that circumstantially I've gained more of), and gratitude in the little things while ignoring the source that feeds into everything else. I'm seeking to look at challenging situations with an honest perspective that I may grow instead of skewing difficulties to protect my pride.

My complaints have obscured my view of the good that God is doing in my life. My complaints have led to a more pessimistic outlook on life.
My complaints have hindered me. 

This will probably be one of my most challenging resolutions that I've posted... and in many ways I feel the rewards of holding to it will outweigh the gains of previous years. 

For those following along: please keep me accountable... check in on me... keep me from ingratitude and gossip. 

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