Philippians 2:14, “Do everything without complaining or arguing,  so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”

Complaining. It has become a common, everyday habit in America. We blow our horns if the person in front of us doesn’t accelerate simultaneously as the light turns green. We roll our eyes and huff when we have to wait in line for more than 3 to 5 minutes. We are easily frustrated when people do not understand and need direction. When our computers or Smart Phones do not respond in a rapid fashion, we become irritated. We need to go on a complain-free-environment campaign.

God does not like complaining. Remember the Israelites? 400 years in bondage; 400 years of oppression; the Lord delivers them and what does He receive from them – complaints! They are hungry. They are tired. They don’t like walking in the desert. They’d be better off back in Egypt. Hmmm….sounds a little like us, doesn’t it?

Years ago, I remember when I walked into a restaurant, I was given the option, “Smoking or Non-Smoking.” Now, there is no smoking in restaurants at all. What if we started a “Complaining or Non-complaining” section campaign? “Non-complaining, please!”

God detests complaining and arguing so much that He actually explains to us in Philippians, “…so that you may become blameless and pure…”

There isn’t a parent out there who does not understand how bickering can grate on one’s nerves. “He’s looking out my window! How much longer? I don’t want to watch this movie! Mom! David always gets to pick what we do.” The hairs on the back of my neck stand up just writing those words. But, imagine how God feels listening to us?

Today, focus on gratitude. Look at what you have instead of what you don’t have. Focus on tolerance. Realize the person up in front of you in line, may have just lost a loved one or his job. He may be hurting in ways you could never understand. Focus on achievements. Instead of accentuating the bad of your day, talk about the good. Find something positive and hang on to it.

I would love to shine like stars in the universe for my God, wouldn’t you?