Thankfulness Makes Us Bright
1 min read
From the archive. I write now at Ready by Dawn on Substack.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 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…
Philippians 2:14-15
It seems strange to me that following Paul’s one commandment to not complain was a string of implications for obeying this command–that would be lights to the world, children of God, blameless in this generation.
I mean… seriously?
I could’ve imagined him saying that about if we.. evangelized, or lived holy lives, or endured persecution, but…not complaining?
What’s so important about not complaining?
Well I think the point of the passage is the opposite of complaining–it’s a thankful spirit.
It’s a thankful spirit which sets us apart from the people of this world. We know who we are, and more importantly, whose we are. A spirit of thankfulness is a spirit which protects every person from contagions of depression, offense, and disconnect from God.
And living in a country rife with possessions, we find ourselves bereft of such a spirit.
May God help us to garner a spirit of thankfulness which pours forth in our speech and in our joy every day!