What’s Holding Me Back?
It is hard for us to step away from ourselves and see the true state of our being. We do not see ourselves as the “weaker brother;” it is always the one we disagree with. We do not see ourselves as hypocrites; it is the one who does not live like I live. We do not see ourselves as arrogant; it is always the self-righteous other-man. We do not see ourselves as unfriendly; it is always the aloof and inhospitable neighbor. But the fact is we are all plagued by these inadequacies and it is time we step back from our own tainted view and realize that such things are not just holding back the church, but ourselves. When I do (and am honest with what I see) I realize that it is not always the other man, often it is me!
The apostle Paul mentions another plague among the church (Philippians 2:14-16) and it would serve us all well to consider the inspired message.
First of all he says: “Do all things without complaining and disputing” (v 14).
To fully grasp the meaning of this text it is paramount that we understand the words that Paul uses. The word “complaining” comes from the Greek word that portrays the image of a child who walks around muttering his discontent because he has to do something he doesn’t want to do and isn’t able to do what he wants. He is not getting his way but since there is not anything he can do about it he pouts and mopes about. Wayne Jackson quotes Moulton and Milligan stating that this word is used in “papyri of grumbling workmen who claim they are being wronged.”
The second word here, “disputing” or “questioning,” “is always to be understood in the evil sense, rationalizing thoughts and calculations – it reflects intellectual rebellion against God” (Wayne Jackson). The idea here is even though I know God said to “Obey those who rule over you” (Hebrews 13:17), I do not like their decision and so I intellectualize my opposition to their authority in this matter of opinion.
But also note that he says “Do ALL things…” Not some things, or the things you like, or the opinions or decisions you agree with, but ALL things.
Secondly, while we often stop with this verse, the sentence continues, “…that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault…” (v 15).
Paul says here that in order for us to be “blameless and harmless” and be “children of God without fault” we must do all things without the aforementioned “complaining and disputing.” A principle in biblical hermeneutics I like to follow is that of the converse (i.e. if this is true what is the converse truth?). Here the teaching is profound, if I do not follow the admonition to do “all things without complaining and disputing” then I CANNOT be “blameless and harmless” and CANNOT be “children of God without fault.”
Thirdly, Paul says “…in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” (v 15).
We need to be mindful that our attitudes and actions do not occur in a vacuum and do not go unnoticed. They have an overpowering effect on those around us. Not only can I have a negative influence on my spiritual family but I also hinder my ability to win others for Christ.
It is principal for us to remember that when we become Christians we die to our own selfish interests (Mark 8:34-35; Romans 6:11). Earlier in this same chapter Paul commands us “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Being a faithful child of God truly isn’t about me it’s about serving God and others. What’s holding me back?