When our daughters were small, an incident occurred which pleased me immensely. And now, over 25 years later, I am occasionally reminded of this sweet, pivotal moment of truth.

Melissa was two. As I worked at the kitchen sink, she walked into the kitchen whining like an ambulance. I turned toward her just in time to observe six-year-old Alison grabbing her from behind and dragging her into the dining room. Out of curiosity, I walked closely enough to the dining room door to catch the conversation.

A very serious Alison said, “Melissa, you might as well learn this right now. Whining will get you nowhere around here.”

This was pleasing to me for two reasons:  1) Alison clearly understood one of our primary family rules; and 2) out of love for her sister, Alison desired to help her grow in maturity and understanding.

I was recently reminded of this incident while studying Philippians in the Bible. In verses 14 through 16 of Chapter Two, Paul spoke to the young Church he helped establish by saying, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure children of God without blemish, though you live in a crooked and perverse society in which you shine as lights in the world by holding on to the word of life so that on the day of Christ I will have a reason to boast that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.”

The Church is family. The Church’s family rules are laid out in Scripture. Do we, as members of the Body, know and understand the family rules? Do we love our spiritual siblings enough to encourage them to walk accordingly?

Now when I use the term “rules,” don’t misunderstand. “Rules” seems to indicate legalism –

that is, checking off a list of do’s and don’ts to earn God’s favor. Please know that’s faulty theology. We are not saved through our good deeds. Scripture repeatedly tells us that the only way to earn God’s favor is by wholly submitting in faith to Jesus, thus making us blameless and acceptable in God’s sight through His sacrifice and righteousness. Jesus does the work of redeeming and cleansing. The precepts found in Scripture are for our growth, redirecting our hearts and minds to Godly living. These precepts are the blueprint for life, and they lead to greater Church unity by placing all members on the same page (sometimes literally), with the same focus. We are all called to live accordingly, and we have spiritual siblings to support us along the way.

Just like a whining toddler can rob a home of peace, grumbling and complaining believers can wreak havoc on the health and unity of the Church. I am not speaking of those times when someone feels led to share genuine hurts or needs; this is often necessary. I’m talking about habitual grumbling – an ongoing focus on the negative in which one is never satisfied with either their circumstances or the actions and decisions of others. Do we love our spiritual siblings enough to encourage contentment? Please note that I am preaching to myself because I struggle as much as anyone with moments of weariness and frustration. I’m very thankful for caring sisters in Christ (you know who you are) who often set me straight.

Remember, whining will get you nowhere.

Joy in Jesus (no matter what),

Jacquee