#69 It's Time to Grumble! Thoughts from the Back Deck...

We have all been there! Been in the spot where we are asked to do something, and we begrudgingly do it, and we clearly communicate our heart is not in it!! We have seen our friends or kids or even our spouse just cop an attitude that clearly communicates their heart is not into what we are being asked to do.
For example, I doubt more of these kids or their parents were excited ALL the time it came for them to gather with Nick for confirmation class! 
I have very specific memories of my confirmation classes... Two years! Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings! As an awkward 7/8 grade kid, I did not fit in well with the other kids. I didn't go to school with them. There was no built-in "friend group" for me. I grumbled. I complained. I still had to go to classes!

Philippians 2:14-16
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 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, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
It's in those moments where it is good to perform a "heart check" as a person of faith because we get to live differently than others. 
Do you think it was fun for Jesus to leave the right hand of the Father?
Do you think it was a great experience being betrayed with a kiss from a friend?
Do you think Jesus would rather have been hanging out at a dinner party than hanging on a cross?
But Jesus is the light of the world and the light of our lives as well. 
We all get asked to do things that are not fun. We all realize that there are some things that might be "fun" to do, but we know that it's not good for us. 
A big juicy cheeseburger and a big glass of cold beer might be very enjoyable to many people, but we all know a steady diet of that is unhealthy.
Sex is very pleasurable, but outside of the commitment of marriage, it is not healthy and we kid ourselves of we think it is just a physical interaction with no emotional impact.
As Christians, we are called to say "no" to some things and get to say "yes" to many other things. 
God's word guides us through that journey, and we can do so without grumping or whining because the light of Christ helps us see what is good and why it's good, as well as helping us know what is not good and avoid it. 
So have joy in your heart, for it comes from Jesus, who has brought light and true life into our lives. 
Peace out,
Andy
stpaullakeland.org 

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