by Carol Meek 

Did you know you are to stay away from any arguing or complaining. You are to literally stay away from people who argue or complain. That even includes those who are arguing or complaining about you! Get up! Get away! Don’t be a participator of the argument or the complaining.

The verse I am referring to is 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 perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."

Some places you may not be able to leave, such as your work or home. However, you do not need to join in the complaining and the arguing. No one really wants their workers or family members complaining or arguing. It’s bad for moral! It’s bad for getting the jobs done.

Complaining and arguing will ruin your testimony. You will not represent a Christian. You are to be blameless and harmless in a wicked world. There’s a difference in you and others. You’re not acting like a little child. You’re acting like a mature person, who is showing the light of Jesus. Your speech is uplifting! Your speech is helpful!

You are to stay away from arguing and complaining with all people. Most people will argue and complain with their families, but not other people. That should never be! The family should get first priority. They should be the ones you treat the best! Your church family should be of a high priority, also. A good church or a good family doesn’t have complaining or arguing, because they know this will hurt relationships. They want relationships to grow. They care that they are a testimony. They want the light of Jesus to shine!

Why should we not argue or complain? The big reason is in the rest of the verse, "We are to be blameless in this perverse world." No one can speak against you if you don’t argue or complain. That’s worth it in itself! Does it ever really help? Does it seem like a waste of time arguing? Think about the last time you argued or complained. Did you feel drained after you were through? Did it make you feel like two cents? Did it waste your time and energy?

In closing, remember the key words, "stay away." Don’t be a complainer or arguer. Don’t participate with others who complain and argue. Stay away, as much as possible, from the people, who argue and complain. Remember in so doing, you will be a "light" in a perverse world. Your family, your friends, and your church will see you as a testimony of who to be like. They will want to emulate you!

Copyright Carol Meek