Contrast to Current Culture

Content library Contrast to Current Culture
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Southeast Christian Church

Oct 26, 2022

In a culture that is overwhelmed with difficult stories and circumstances, Christ followers have to make a conscious effort to be positive in the midst of so much turmoil. In Philippians 2:14-15, Paul tells us that we are to “do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”

Do you know what one of the most obvious signs of pride is? It's complaining, mumbling, and grumbling. We argue because we want people to think that we are intelligent or right, and we want things our way. In James 1:19, James says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry.” As Christ followers, we try and work things out rather than complaining and arguing, because reframed actions enhance our witness. You can disagree without being disagreeable. The way we handle these situations in our marriage, familial relationships, and friendships shows your life is distinctive and different from others outside of the church.

We are to never let an arrogant spirit or negativity spread to others, because it can be contagious. If you struggle with that, you have to make certain that that's something that you invite the Lord into, in order to help you change. If pride is at the roots of complaining, we begin to think that this world is here for our comfort, and we're the center of the universe. As a result of that, we begin to have this Messiah-complex as we mumble and grumble and complain our way through as if the world revolved around us. The Bible lists “grumbling and complaining” alongside the sins of idolatry and sexual immorality, because the tone in which you say something probably reveals more about your joy and your gratefulness than you could ever imagine.

Reflection/Discussion Questions: In your relationships, are you quick to be argumentative or defensive when someone does not share the same views as you? If so, how can you work on reframing your actions when it comes to disagreements?

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