“Do everything without complaining and 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 as you hold out
the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-16).
J.B. Philipps translates this verse: “Do all you have to do without
grumbling or arguing.” Don’t be a whiner. Kim and I went to the library
years ago and found a video entitled “Wendy the Whiner.” We showed it to our
oldest and every time she felt like whining we would remind her of the cloud
that came from Wendy’s mouth when she whined.
It is not fair to ask others to do something that you and I would not do by
ourself. If it is leading a family, a Sunday School class, a youth group, a
group of deacons, a small group, or in any situation or group, the one who
leads will lead out front without grumbling. This is not to show off or to
pour on guilt, but it is to grow oneself for the glory of God personally and
socially.
It has been said that most of the significant things done in the world were
done by persons who were either too busy or too sick. There are few ideal
and leisurely settings for the disciplines of growth. Unity and harmony in
the home and the church home is paramount to the glory of God!