Rejoicing in a world of challenges

Do everything without grumbling or arguing. —Philippians 2:14 (NIV)

It’s graduation season! Around campus, we see the annual preparation for commencement, which signals the end of studies for one group and the advent of another group on campus who will start. The path from the beginning to completion of any project, training, or program of study is often filled with many difficulties and stumbling blocks. All of us— employees, instructors, clinicians, administrators, and students at Loma Linda University Health — also encounter challenges on our spiritual journey that test our endurance, fortitude, and faith in God. The Apostle Paul's advice to the Philippians is essential at times like these. He encourages us by giving straightforward but profound counsel in Philippians 2:14: "Do everything without complaining or arguing."

It's human nature to complain and quarrel, especially when things don't go as planned or we encounter challenges. It's simple to gripe, accuse others, or get into tense arguments. But as Christ's followers, we are invited to emulate Him and live by a countercultural code of conduct.

Jesus dealt with every circumstance with grace, humility, and steadfast faith in the Father. His example encourages us to imitate Him in the face of difficulty.

When we develop a spirit of thanks and contentment instead of complaining or debating, we acknowledge that God is in charge and has a plan for every situation we find ourselves in. As our faith in Him grows, we become more reliant on His strength than our own. Furthermore, when we follow Philippians 2:14, we become sources of inspiration, encouragement, and hope for everyone around us.

What practical steps may we take to apply Philippians 2:14 to our daily lives? It begins with developing an attitude of appreciation and faith in God's omnipotence. Let's choose to see the blessings concealed within our circumstances rather than concentrating on the bad parts of them. Let us keep our eyes fixed on our Heavenly Father's trustworthiness and keep in mind His promise that everything will work out for our benefit.

We must also ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and fortitude to control our thoughts and tongues. Let us take a moment to reflect, breathe deeply, and pray for discernment and restraint whenever we feel tempted to complain or dispute. The more we follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, the more we reflect Christ's qualities in every circumstance.

Let's resolve to practice Philippians 2:14 today. May the pleasure, happiness, and grace from a heart changed by God's love be evident in our lives.  

—Dilys Brooks, PhD, BCC, is campus chaplain for Loma Linda University.