Have you complained or argued, today? There’s something fallen inside each of us that believes we will find satisfaction in complaining or arguing a bad call in our lives. When we complain or argue, we do so from darkness in our hearts.

Paul called the church at Philippi to reflect the light of Christ. “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 as you hold out the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-16a).

Paul offered practical advice to experience joy in serving: “Do everything without complaining or arguing” (Philippians 2:14), to become blameless and pure, shining like stars (Philippians 2:15).

“Blameless” meant “without fault.” “Pure” carried a picture of refined metal that was not weakened by mixed impurities. In order to be blameless, we must confess our shortcomings to God, who then purifies us from our mixed motives. This empowers us to be free from complaining or arguing in order to shine like stars, as we hold out the word of life (Philippians 2:16a). Paul used imagery of harbor towers, whose fires directed ships into the port during the night. When we hold out the word of life, we reflect the guiding light of Christ.

Reflect the light of Christ by doing everything without complaining or arguing. Be blameless and pure when serving others. Confess to God your desire to serve your selfish interests and allow Him to purify you from mixed motives. Hold out the word of life, so others can see the light of Christ.

Episode 223: Joy In Serving (Part 3) from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.