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2. Arguing: We are instructed to do everything
without arguing and complaining (Philippians 2:
14-15). The end result of following this command
is we keep our hearts pure. Speaking the truth in
love is Christlike. Arguing over rights, staking out
territory and attempting to enforce our will on
others, defames His image within us. The end goal
of an argument is not peace—it is the self-satisfied
feeling of being right. He is the Prince of Peace
and engaging our hearts (His habitat) and our
words (our weapons) in anything that doesn’t
produce peace, separates us from Him.
3. Complaining: We create an environment of
discontentment in our souls and minds when we
complain.
without arguing and complaining (Philippians 2:
14-15). The end result of following this command
is we keep our hearts pure. Speaking the truth in
love is Christlike. Arguing over rights, staking out
territory and attempting to enforce our will on
others, defames His image within us. The end goal
of an argument is not peace—it is the self-satisfied
feeling of being right. He is the Prince of Peace
and engaging our hearts (His habitat) and our
words (our weapons) in anything that doesn’t
produce peace, separates us from Him.
3. Complaining: We create an environment of
discontentment in our souls and minds when we
complain.
We denounce the very power that Christ has given us, because complaining is an admission that
neither we—NOR our God—is in control. Complaints are poisonous, bitter words seeking to kill
whatever the Lord would cause to grow in our lives.
A heart constantly subjected to words of complaint cannot be a truly grateful one. Complaining
denies the goodness and faithfulness of God. Our ritual cries of “But God is good” are rendered
powerless when cushioned between defeated words about our jobs, our ability to breakthrough,
and His provision. If He is so good, then we should know that He has a plan to address the areas
we need to change. If He is going to change them, then why are we complaining and not praising?
We must do everything without arguing and complaining. This may seem extreme and severe, but
it serves to demonstrate the magnitude of the destruction that enters our lives through these
vices. Arguing pushes for self, but God is about community. Complaining is a denial of God’s
commitment to doing us good, while pride secures us in our exercise of both, because “self” not
God, is the focus.
Live It! If you are struggling with pride, complaining and arguing—take a fast! Over the next two
weeks, simply keep your mouth shut when you feel prompted to complain, boast or argue with
others. Resist the urges to set people straight and defend yourself. It won’t be easy, but your flesh
will be weakened. When tempted to lapse, develop a confession of faith to say in its place.
neither we—NOR our God—is in control. Complaints are poisonous, bitter words seeking to kill
whatever the Lord would cause to grow in our lives.
A heart constantly subjected to words of complaint cannot be a truly grateful one. Complaining
denies the goodness and faithfulness of God. Our ritual cries of “But God is good” are rendered
powerless when cushioned between defeated words about our jobs, our ability to breakthrough,
and His provision. If He is so good, then we should know that He has a plan to address the areas
we need to change. If He is going to change them, then why are we complaining and not praising?
We must do everything without arguing and complaining. This may seem extreme and severe, but
it serves to demonstrate the magnitude of the destruction that enters our lives through these
vices. Arguing pushes for self, but God is about community. Complaining is a denial of God’s
commitment to doing us good, while pride secures us in our exercise of both, because “self” not
God, is the focus.
Live It! If you are struggling with pride, complaining and arguing—take a fast! Over the next two
weeks, simply keep your mouth shut when you feel prompted to complain, boast or argue with
others. Resist the urges to set people straight and defend yourself. It won’t be easy, but your flesh
will be weakened. When tempted to lapse, develop a confession of faith to say in its place.
But I opened up my heart because I know that He can be trusted to love me to change and a place
of wholeness.
The root cause of my struggle didn’t surface through mere reflection. It happened when a
colleague wronged me. Despite hearing the inner counsel to “Let it go,” I simply wouldn’t. The
thought that the offending individual might actually believe they could get over on me was too
much for my ego to bear! I had to set the record straight. Too bad I was wrong and my pride only
fueled a fire that would have been diffused by my silence.
Later that week, while studying with my small group, it became clear that pride was the true
hindrance to my relationship with God. My ability to praise Him, along with my desire for
righteousness, were being hindered by my constant engagement in:
1. Prideful Thoughts: Even today, my outer life has not yet caught up to the changes
happening within me. The tension is manageable when I focus on Christ, but when I start thinking
that I deserve better, I end up off course. There is a difference between what I have earned and
what He has graciously given.
God does want me to have an abundant life, but it isn’t because I’m a good daughter, it is because
He’s a loving Father.
Jesus modeled a very different attitude towards His situation in life (Philippians 2:5-8). He
clothed himself in humility and caring more about His Father’s will and us than about His rights,
He stepped out of His glory. Picture that…the all-powerful God constraining Himself to the
limitations of humanity, suffering the insults and arrogance of His creation, yet I have time to
demand that others recognize me.
of wholeness.
The root cause of my struggle didn’t surface through mere reflection. It happened when a
colleague wronged me. Despite hearing the inner counsel to “Let it go,” I simply wouldn’t. The
thought that the offending individual might actually believe they could get over on me was too
much for my ego to bear! I had to set the record straight. Too bad I was wrong and my pride only
fueled a fire that would have been diffused by my silence.
Later that week, while studying with my small group, it became clear that pride was the true
hindrance to my relationship with God. My ability to praise Him, along with my desire for
righteousness, were being hindered by my constant engagement in:
1. Prideful Thoughts: Even today, my outer life has not yet caught up to the changes
happening within me. The tension is manageable when I focus on Christ, but when I start thinking
that I deserve better, I end up off course. There is a difference between what I have earned and
what He has graciously given.
God does want me to have an abundant life, but it isn’t because I’m a good daughter, it is because
He’s a loving Father.
Jesus modeled a very different attitude towards His situation in life (Philippians 2:5-8). He
clothed himself in humility and caring more about His Father’s will and us than about His rights,
He stepped out of His glory. Picture that…the all-powerful God constraining Himself to the
limitations of humanity, suffering the insults and arrogance of His creation, yet I have time to
demand that others recognize me.
May 23-June 6
| EEWMAGAZINE.COM |
EMAIL:
Quoted as one of today's leading
motivational speakers by ESSENCE
magazine, Leadher Coach Scott™ shares
life-changing truths with practical wisdom,
humor and insight. Currently, a columnist
for StreamingFaith.com, her workshops
and seminars are popular at women's,
singles' and youth conferences. For more
info, also visit feliciascott.com or myspace.
com/upliftagency. Follow her at www.twitter.
com/coachfelicia.
Email Coach Scott:
coachscott@eewmagazine.com
Connect on Facebook
Facebook.com
motivational speakers by ESSENCE
magazine, Leadher Coach Scott™ shares
life-changing truths with practical wisdom,
humor and insight. Currently, a columnist
for StreamingFaith.com, her workshops
and seminars are popular at women's,
singles' and youth conferences. For more
info, also visit feliciascott.com or myspace.
com/upliftagency. Follow her at www.twitter.
com/coachfelicia.
Email Coach Scott:
coachscott@eewmagazine.com
Connect on Facebook
Facebook.com
| Copyright © 2011-2014 EEW Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. |
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Two months ago, I was on a spiritual high.
My prayer life and devotional time were
flourishing. My relationships were growing
and I was hungry for the Word. I was joyful,
hopeful and free. But before I knew what hit
me…my old habits were trying to make a
comeback. My desire for quiet time was
waning, but my appetite for television was
on the rise. Worship was stalling…but I was
complaining with poetic fluency.
Distressed and saddened, I asked God to
keep me moving forward. It is hard to tell
God, “I don’t want you like I used to.”
My prayer life and devotional time were
flourishing. My relationships were growing
and I was hungry for the Word. I was joyful,
hopeful and free. But before I knew what hit
me…my old habits were trying to make a
comeback. My desire for quiet time was
waning, but my appetite for television was
on the rise. Worship was stalling…but I was
complaining with poetic fluency.
Distressed and saddened, I asked God to
keep me moving forward. It is hard to tell
God, “I don’t want you like I used to.”
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