Know any complainers? Those who gripe about folding clothes or doing dishes? Who nag to go shopping when Mom’s busy? Or complain about not spending more time online? It’s about just such things that this passage says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (Philippians 2:14). God is ready to work in your life. But a complaining attitude blocks what he is eager to do. So, if you’re one of those negative types, now is a good time to change. A negative attitude makes life miserable for those around you. And it makes you miserable too.
When you’re a little kid, the place you live determines who your friends are. When all you have for wheels is a tricycle, you pretty much have to play with kids who live on your block. When you become a teen, things change. Then you meet kids from all over, and you get to choose your friends. Of course, along with that privilege comes responsibility. You get to choose your friends, but you need to choose wisely. Paul’s advice is to pay attention to the way others live. Note the way they talk about others. And pick as your friends teens who live according to the example God outlines in the Bible.
What could the Bible possibly say about music videos, computer games, movies, blogs, cyber sex or modern music since none of them existed in Bible times?
José
Dear José,
You’re right. There is no verse that reads, “Thou shall not watch violent or explicit movies.” But if you study God’s Word, your answer is just as clear as if it did. Paul tells us what to focus our minds on. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). If what you want to entertain yourself with falls into these categories, enjoy!
But be very careful. Don’t just pass it off and say, “The stuff I listen to isn’t so bad.” Examine what you see and hear very carefully. Do the words (or their meanings) fit the categories mentioned in the passage? You decide. But remember, you will be responsible directly to God for your choices, and your life will reflect what you’re thinking about (Matthew 12:36–37).
Jordan
You get a new bike, and then you want the trendy shoes. Get the shoes, and you want a car, right? Sometimes Mom or Dad try to make you feel guilty by saying things like, “I only had two dresses,” or “I had to walk 23 miles to school in snow over my head.” But that misses the point. When Paul talks about contentment, he’s reminding you that the never-satisfied person is miserable. Why settle for misery? Enjoy that bike now. When the car comes, enjoy it too. Enjoy life’s good gifts. It really isn’t any fun being a “gotta-have-more” type.
Philippians
Be Happy!
The key words in this book are “joy” and “rejoice.” Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter. But he knew the secret of an inner joy that won’t quit when things go wrong.