Day 16 — No Grumbling

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world.”

— Philippians 2:14–15 (BSB)

“Ugh, why do I have to?” “This is so boring.” “It’s not fair!” “Do we have to go?” “I hate broccoli.”

Does any of that sound familiar? Complaining comes easily to all of us. Sometimes we don’t even notice we’re doing it.

After God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, He did amazing miracles for them. He parted the Red Sea. He gave them water from a rock. He sent food from heaven, called manna, every single morning. And what did the people do? They grumbled. “We’re thirsty!” “We’re tired of this manna!” “We had better food back in Egypt!” (Numbers 11). They complained so much that it made God angry. They had seen His power and His care with their own eyes, but they still grumbled.

When we complain, we’re really saying, God, I don’t like how You’re running things. Grumbling is the opposite of trusting and thanking God.

Paul says to do everything without complaining or arguing. Everything! Homework, chores, car rides, dinner, church, even things you really don’t like.

Why does it matter so much? Look at the end of the verse: so that “you shine as lights in the world.” Most people complain all the time. It’s normal. So when a kid does the dishes without grumbling, or goes along with a change of plans without arguing, people notice. It’s different. It shines, like a star in a dark sky.

This doesn’t mean you can never tell anyone when something is wrong, or share how you really feel. You can always be honest with God and with the grown-ups who care for you. There’s a difference between telling someone about a problem and grumbling about it.

The best cure for grumbling is thankfulness. It’s really hard to complain and give thanks at the same time!

Think about it: What do you complain about most? What could you thank God for in that situation instead?

Try this: Have a “no grumbling” day. Every time you catch yourself complaining, replace it with something you’re thankful for.

Dear God, forgive me for grumbling and complaining so much. You have been so good to me. Help me do everything without complaining or arguing, so that I can shine like a light for You. Fill my mouth with thanks instead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.