31 Days of UnitySample

(Re)deem: Grumble is a great word. It has an almost onomatopoeia-like quality (a word that sounds like what it is named - like sizzle). Go ahead and say the word grumble. It starts in the back of your throat, comes out low, and sounds agitated. It is not a frequent word, but you hear it and immediately its feeling and experience is conveyed. We live in a world of grumbling; a mumbling, throaty, complaining, and arguing posture that conveys our discontent with ourselves and the world around us. Grumbling feels great, and it feels awful, and it helps almost no one or anything.

In the continuation of yesterday’s passage, which we described as the key to unlocking the mystery of Christ’s love for us and our love for the world, Paul asks something huge of the church. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure., children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” (Philippians 2:14) We don’t know everything about the people Paul was writing to, or why their generation was warped and crooked, but most of us would probably feel comfortable using that description for the world we live in.

Warped and crooked, misshapen, no longer conforming to our design or purpose, these are helpful descriptions of our world. Unfortunately, they are also accurate descriptions of the church. If those outside the church were interviewed, would they associate grumbling and arguing with the church? Would they point to a spirit of antagonism and belligerence?

As we seek to have the same mindset as Jesus, to love one another and the world with a self-giving love instead of a self-focused love, we need to spend time paying attention to our grumbling and arguing. Why do we grumble? Who do we grumble about? How does this grumbling impact our love? What do we argue about? Who are we arguing with? The answers to those questions may point us to the places where God wants to work within us, to change us, and to heal us.

The Spirit invites us to be reshaped by this work (no longer crooked or warped). The results will change us and how we are seen by others. Paul says we will “shine among them like stars in the sky.” A people who share the love of Christ and are able to engage with each other and serve the world without being defined by antagonistic behavior are a people of light in a world of darkness. We are called to make a shift away from grumbling to being a people of light. This is the shift where unity is born.

After reading the passage, ask yourself these questions:

• What do you find yourself grumbling or arguing about the most?
• How could the self-giving love of God bring healing to these issues?
• After reflecting on grumbling and arguing, what do you need to confess to God? How can God’s healing begin in you?

Our Prayer for (Re)demption

Jesus, you did not come into the world to condemn the world, but to bring salvation. May your light shine brightly through your children, that in our love of one another, the unity of the Church, and our service to the world, all may see your glory and be drawn into life with you. Amen