When Spiritual Progress Gets Slowed Down

Philippians 2:14-16, “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

Isn’t it easy to grumble and complain? We react to the complaining Israelites in the Old Testament (Numbers 11:1-9) and shake our heads at their ungratefulness. God had delivered them from slavery, using the ten plagues. He performed the miracle of the Red Sea parting, bringing them to safety, and then provided nutritious, delicious daily food, called manna, from heaven. They constantly complained and had disputing’s with God during their wilderness journey, and we think, “How dare they? How could they do that after all God had done for them? They should have known better!” But I have been guilty as well. Can you relate? What was the last thing you complained or grumbled about?

The NKJV uses the phrase “that you may become blameless and harmless.” “Become” indicates a process. The question is, am I pursuing balancing God’s providential care and His designed responsibility for me to carry out and live before others as a light shining to the glory of God or not? That is the dilemma. When I disagree how can I do that without arguing and grumbling? Are people that I influence seeing in my character, that I have spent time with the Lord, despite Satan’s temptations thrown my way in any irritation and hardship, so that God would be proud of me? I would have to admit grumbling and complaining is my kryptonite. It causes me to fall. Then sins such as gossip and lack of thankfulness for what God has provided me in the past take hold, and my spiritual progress with my trust and faith in God is slowed down just like those Israelites did. What slows down your Spiritual growth spurts?

The two words “all things” is at the beginning of this verse. That includes quite a bit. Merriam Webster’s dictionary definition of grumbling says it means to complain in a surly manner, mutter discontentedly. It often has to do with protesting in a bad-tempered way. Dictionary.Com’s description of the word complaining said it means to express dissatisfaction with resentment and find fault. The Greek word for “complaining” meant muttering in a low tone of voice, like a grumbling sound. “It is an emotional rejection of God’s providence, will, and circumstances for one’s life. The word for “disputing” is more intellectual and here means “questionings” or “criticisms” directed negatively toward God.” John MacArthur. I realize I have been showing many adverse emotionally negative reactions during this current time of restrictions, sales controls and allocations, which have resulted due to the pandemic and recent Gulf coast winter storm issues affecting my job, and I need to make some changes.

Nowhere in Scripture do we see that Jesus ever complained. He suffered more than any other human being suffered, yet He never murmured or complained. Jesus used simple language; Jesus did not argue or have a heated debate with the Pharisees. He gave them the substantial truth in words but never in an argument. I need to apply that during times of conflict within my work situations. That is the needed strategy I need to engage and ask more questions.

How does one replace the habit of (negative) grumbling and doubt with a practice (positive) of dependence upon God and gratitude? Spiritual progress will be accomplished and be able to be seen when we, like Paul, apply and declare, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Philip. 4:11-12.

Have you considered in what specific situation(s) you need to make a considered effort not to grumble and complain or question God’s providential care about? I do not want to make light of any hardship you are going through, please know that, because there is a lot out there right now for all of us. We are living in troublesome times. I am implementing a plan for myself to halt the habit of complaining in my own life and to apply these verses. Paul’s own spiritual growth led him to the attitude of finding contentment as he stated in Philippians 4:11-16. That is the challenge set before me. How about you?

Listen to Mercy Me Shake (Official Music Video). 11/15/13. It always puts me in a good mood and puts a smile on my face!

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