We, as Christians today, have become complacent with the sin of complaining. My dad likes to say that if some people won the lottery, they would complain about the color of the ink on the check. I am sure you can think of some individuals in your life who are like this, or if you are like me, you recognize that this is a sin you struggle with in your daily thoughts and conversations.
Philippians 2:14–15 cuts to the heart of this matter. In some of the most convicting and overlooked verses in Scripture, the Bible commands, “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.”
These verses leave no room for loopholes or exceptions for our speech. We are to do everything without complaining or arguing. Every aspect of our lives must be free of these negative actions. This means at work we do all things without grumbling or disputing. At home, with our families, we do everything without complaining or arguing. At church, we are free of grievances and dissensions. When talking to our closest friends, we do not grumble, and we pursue harmony with them.
As if you’re not already convicted or uncomfortable enough, let’s dive deeper and ask ourselves: why do we need to do all things without complaining or arguing?
At its core, complaining—or grumbling—questions God’s wisdom and goodness. It is hard to reckon with this, but this is what we do when we gripe about the weather, taxes, or other people’s behavior. When we complain about the trivial annoyances or inconveniences in our lives, we are focusing on what we don’t have instead of what the Lord has graciously provided us with. The Bible tells us not to be anxious about what we will eat or wear, because God knows what we need (Matthew 6:25–32). However, like the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16, Numbers 14), we grumble. We doubt the Lord’s provision, or we say through our complaining that what He has provided is not enough.
Now, moving on to arguing, this divides the body of Christ and distracts us from Christ’s mission. With that being said, there is a place for healthy disagreement. We must stand firm on the truth and should disagree with others when they speak in ways opposed to the truth. However, arguing as it is used in this verse refers to unhealthy disagreement. Examples might include a dispute over something minor, like where to eat for lunch, or arguments over more important issues. However, the instruction remains the same. We should “have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies” because “they breed quarrels” (2 Timothy 2:23).
But why do we do this? Why do we go out of our way to go against what comes naturally and not complain or argue?
We do it to show that we are blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in a world that is stained by sin. The Lord has made us blameless and innocent; He has taken away the sin that used to rule over us. However, if the world is not able to see this change in us, then the light we should be shining is dimmed.
When we refuse to join in on a vent session and heap on our own pile of complaints, we say to others that we are content with how the Lord provides, even in difficult times. When we pursue peace with others instead of trying to prove a point or show that we are right, it demonstrates that God has transformed us and that we desire for others to know Him above all else. When we put an end to our complaining and arguing, then we shine as lights in the world that is crooked and twisted.
If reading this was convicting for you, please know that it was even more so for me as the author. Although it was challenging for me to write and share, this subject is important. God’s Word says it, so we must obey it. And, when we inevitably mess up and complain or engage in argument, we can run to Jesus, who will forgive us and give us the strength to resist those temptations of the tongue next time.
The following source was used when writing this devotional: “Philippians 2:14 – Shining as Stars.” Bible Hub, 2026, biblehub.com/philippians/2-14.htm.
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