Tuesday, November 19, 2013

"Without Murmurings"


    
Can you imagine the Lord Jesus Christ ever complaining during His earthly life?

    Me neither.  He never did, of course, although He was greatly tempted in the matter.  "We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, and yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).

    The same Christ who overcame every prodding by the world, the devil, and the flesh to murmur and grumble now lives in us by His Spirit.  Moreover, God works in those who believe for the holy purpose of conforming us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).  We must therefore expect our Lord's emphasis regarding words and attitudes that voice confidence in Him rather than complaint about circumstances, situations, and conditions.  "Do all things without murmurings" (Philippians 2:14).

   We require the power of the Holy Spirit for such a life because "the tongue can no man tame" (James 3:8).  Our responsibility involves the acknowledgement of our Heavenly Father's will that the life Christ lived is now the life He lives - in us.  "Walk even as He walked" (I John 2:6).  We thus submit unto God our capacity to speak in the awareness that He works in us to replace complaining with praise, thanksgiving, and words that reflect our faith rather than mournful unbelief.  Few greater and more practical challenges and blessings await us in this life wherein the glory of the Lord Jesus is at always at stake concerning what we say, and how we say it...

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue."
(Proverbs 18:21)
"I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed."
(Psalm 77:3)
"I will speak of the glorious honor of Thy majesty, and of Thy wondrous works
."
(Psalm 145:5)

Weekly Memory Verse
     Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor."
(Ephesians 5:1)

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