“Do all things without complaining and disputing…” Philippians 2:14
There is a hymn that states “To dwell above, with saints we love, that will be grace and glory.” Someone added another line, “But to live below with saints we know, now that’s a different story!” Paul is
addressing the mind of Christ that should be the way every believer
approaches whatever God allows in this life. Unfortunately the unity of the church was being impacted (and still is) by discontent. Instead of living their lives in joy they spent their time creating dissension. Their first reaction was murmuring or complaining. Their unhappiness spread a quiet undertone of dissatisfaction. They wanted to be considered spiritual so they did not loudly and publicly complain. Instead they spread their “concerns” one by one. While these murmurings were directed at others, they were really critical of God Himself. As the old proverb says, “ To swear is wicked because it takes God’s name in vain. To murmur is even more wicked for it takes God’s promises in vain.”
Disputing Paul addresses a second practice that is the antithesis of the mind of Christ. Disputing involves reasoning through an issue with thoroughness and completeness. It involves deliberating with one’s self. In scripture it is used of those who have an arrogant attitude and assume they’re always right. It was used of the Pharisees when they believed Christ was wrong and they were right about God’s truth. “But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, ‘Why are you reasoning in your hearts?’” Whereas grumbling is essentially an emotional reaction, disputing is an intellectual one. Intellectual disputes are typically debates against God and His promises or commands.
For example God delivered the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Instead of being thankful, they complained to Moses and said “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt!” Their private complaining grew into public disputing against Moses and God. They disputed with him saying, “Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?“. They questioned God’s direction, His plan and if He even was with them (as He had promised).
What can we learn? What is the worst sin a person can commit? There is likely no right answer to that question as any sin that man commits separates him from a holy God. Yet as we study the examples in the Old Testament, we realize the sin of disputing
and murmuring are judged harshly. A grumbling and complaining spirit is an abomination to God because it is the opposite of the
joyful, thankful spirit God desires His people to show to the Him and the world around them.
The question we must ask is how can live without complainung or disputing against God and others? It seems humanly impossible. That is why Paul records the example of the Lord’s obedience to God. He never murmured or disputed against God no matter what He faced. He was fully devoted to fulfill God’s will no matter the personal cost. (Remember hoe He sought rest yet the crowds would never leave Him alone?) How did the Lord do this in a human body like ours? He filled His mind with the word of God. He was led by the Spirit of God and He joyfully obeyed no matter what was asked of Him KNOWING that God is in control of all things. This is the example we are to follow whether what is asked is small, “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” or large “I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing”. Why is this important? James 5:9 tells us “Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!” Remember who it is you serve!