“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 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, holding fast to the word of life...” (Phil 2.14-16).
These are the kinds of verses that many of us would prefer to skip over. It is natural for us to begin self-justification as soon as we read words like these. Sometimes this is because statements such as these have been misapplied. In context, pursuing the commandments of God is under consideration. I don’t suggest you complain about your boss’ managing style, or your teacher’s difficult tests (poor attitudes are never good), but I also believe it has little to do with Phil 2.14-15.
Keep in mind the preceding verses (Vs 12-13), which discuss obedience to God, and seeking to please him. In our obedience to God’s will we should “do all things without grumbling or questioning...” The reason I feel so sure about explaining the passages in this way has much to do with the concluding phrase in the quote above. Rather than complaining and grumbling, we are to shine as lights to the world, “holding fast the word of life.” Paul says that in the day of Christ he will be proud of the Philippian brethren who accomplish this. My guess is that he will be proud of everyone else who holds fast to God’s word, without complaining.
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