Wouldn’t it be nice to turn on the television and not hear someone complain about something? Or go to work and not have the one co-worker who constantly puts management down? It’s easy to see the negativity in others, but do we see any of it in ourselves? Whether we like to think about it or not, what we subject ourselves to the most is most often what we become like. Sadly, a critical spirit can infect a Christian and make its way into a church. Then it causes havoc before we even know it. How can we prevent ourselves from developing a critical spirit? Paul writes in Philippians 2:14-15, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
Paul is calling the Philippian Christians to live differently from those around them. Again, it is so easy for us to become like those around us, especially when the mood or the culture is negative. Have you ever noticed how quickly a bad mood spreads? It is important that we understand the influence we have on those around us. Paul had been talking about suffering previously in the book of Philippians. He is reminding them that suffering for the Gospel should be expected, but it also make us more like Jesus. As this occurs, it allows us to have a stronger, more consistent witness before a watching world. So, how can we be less negative in our life and strengthen our witness before the world?
- Pray more. This probably seems like a no-brainer, but it is something that we often forget. Whatever we pray about, we are trusting God to work out. Therefore, when we see something that is troubling to us or upsetting us, it is an invitation to pray about it. After all, no amount of rumbling or grumbling has ever fixed a problem. Therefore, we want to take it to the One who can do something about it.
- Fix your eyes on Jesus. This goes along with the first one, but we need to remind ourselves of who Jesus is. We also need to remember what Jesus has done for us. When we remember that Jesus has changed our eternity, then we can have a better perspective on our temporary problems.
- Choose to praise Jesus more. This builds off of number two. As I pray more and keep a proper perspective, then I can praise Jesus more. I am not denying the problems before me. I am instead choosing to praise Jesus in spite of my problems. No praising Jesus won’t magically solve the problems, but when I sing of God’s grace, mercy, and kindness; I can remember that God has met every need I have in the past, so I can trust He will do it now. Praising Jesus lifts my eyes up and fixes them on Jesus instead of my problems, which reminds me to pray more.
Life is difficult, especially in the middle of a pandemic. There is certainly a lot that could bring us down. However, when I remember that Jesus died for me and rose from the dead, and that this world is not my own; It helps me to face the uncertain days ahead. Any problems or difficulties we face are just an invitation by God to pray and to trust Him more. As we do, watch how He strengthens us and continues to bring us through day after day.
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Justin