Stop Complaining
Shine as Lights = Rejoice Always – Part 9
Philippians 2:12-15 (NKJV)
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 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."
A Travel Nightmare & a Spirit Check
Recently, my wife and I were flying to Tucson. It turned into a frustrating ordeal:
Our flight was cancelled at Orlando with zero consideration.
We got stuck in Dallas the next day.
Our baggage was lost the day after that.
Angry and frustrated, I felt a heavy spirit of complaining creeping in.
That’s when God reminded me of Philippians 2:14: "Do all things without complaining and disputing."
Part One: The Command – No Complaining, No Disputing
Let’s be honest. Complaining is practically a cultural pastime:
Complain about your job? Normal.
Complain about your family? Relatable.
Complain about the weather? It’s too hot today, too cold tomorrow!
But Paul says, "Do all things without complaining." No exceptions. Whether it’s changing nappies or waiting on hold for customer service, we’re commanded to do it all without grumbling.
Why? Because complaining isn’t just bad manners. It’s spiritual.
1 Corinthians 10:10 warns us: "Do not complain, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer."
Numbers 14 shows us the Israelites complained after witnessing miracles. Their grumbling belittled God's faithfulness. God didn’t see it as venting. He called it sin.
Complaining often becomes our default setting. Has it become your brand? Are you actively fighting it, or have you given in?
Part Two: The Consequence – Our Witness at Stake
This isn’t about formal complaints or honest feedback. This is about a spirit or attitude—a complaining heart.
We complain:
When we’re single.
When we’re dating.
When we’re married.
When we get the job we once prayed for.
Even pastors can fall into this trap: first complaining about not having people, then complaining about the people they do have.
Why do we complain?
Because we think we deserve better.
Because negativity attracts attention, and attention feels like value.
Because focusing on problems feels easier than trusting God.
But Paul reminds us that complaining dims our light:
"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." (Philippians 2:15)
A complaining Christian blends in with the darkness. Our kids, coworkers, and church family can’t see Jesus if our mouths are full of bitterness.
Grumbling people bring division, kill unity, and create toxic atmospheres. Just like the Israelites who missed the Promised Land due to their complaints, we risk forfeiting destiny.
But joyful gratitude? That opens hearts.
Years ago, a young man at my job said, "You’re always upbeat, never complaining." That’s what led him to visit church and give his life to Christ. It wasn’t a sermon. It was joy.
Just like stars shine brightest in the darkest skies, we shine brightest in a complaining world by refusing to be like them.
Part Three: The Cure – Work Out What God Works In
Paul doesn’t just tell us what not to do. He gives us a powerful solution:
"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13)
Work Out = Apply what God has already put in. Obedience is a muscle. Exercise it.
God Works In = He doesn’t just command change; He empowers it. He gives you both the desire and ability to obey.
Overcoming a complaining spirit isn’t just about suppression. It’s about cultivation:
1 Thessalonians 5:18: "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Replace complaints with thanksgiving:
Gratitude strengthens worship.
Gratitude fuels faith and courage.
Gratitude fosters fellowship and discipleship.
Many years ago, after returning from an impact team, I started venting about everything wrong with my job. I felt God say, "Stop complaining. Go and work to glorify Me."
Months later, I got a raise.
Then, a better job.
Gratitude changed my attitude. And my attitude changed my altitude.
Final Thoughts
Complaining shrinks God and magnifies problems.
Gratitude shrinks problems and magnifies God.
Which will you choose today?
Let’s work out what God has worked in.
Let’s stop complaining.
Let’s shine as lights in the darkness.