Our response to everything is everything!
As follower’s of Christ we’re all still subject to living in this world as it is under the curse of sin. However, we’ve been called and equipped by the Lord to live moment-by-moment exhibiting a completely different attitude than unbelievers have. Those who have yet to say “Yes” to Jesus have no hope for anything beyond what this world has to offer.
When we choose to grumble, or complain, or have an attitude of negativity, we’re refusing to see our circumstances from God’s perspective. And consequently, we are reacting the same way unbelievers do. Why would anyone who may be on their own faith journey even reach out to us and inquire about why we’ve put our faith in Christ … if they see us constantly complaining or responding in anger to something we’re not pleased about?
Paul says in Philippians 2:13-15, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
Paul also encourages us in Ephesians 4:30-33, “And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
To be completely honest, I struggle with this pretty much every time I get behind the wheel in the car. If I don’t pray and ask the Lord to help my default attitude of becoming overtly frustrated when other drivers around me don’t drive their cars safely and responsibly … then I can easily become negative and agitated, rather than being kind and forgiving to everyone.
Jesus says in Matthew 5:13-15, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.”