Jesus in you

Do everything without complaining or arguing, show that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Philippians 14-16 Why are complaining and arguing so harmful? If all the people know about a church is that its members constantly argue, complain, and gossip, they get a false impression of Christ and the gospel. Belief in Christ should unite those who trust Him. If your church is always complaining and arguing, it lacks the unifying power of Jesus Christ. Stop arguing with other Christians or complaining about people and conditions within the church and let the world see Christ. Our lives should be characterized by moral purity, patience, and peacefulness, so that we will "shine like stars" in a dark and depraved world. A transformed life is an effective witness to the power of God's Word. Indeed, there is no greater evidence of God in this world than a transformed life. It defies explanation. Are you shining brightly, or are you clouded by complaining and arguing? Our greatest job is not to explain the Word of God, but to extend it. We are given that duty and the power with which to do it. And we do it not so much with our words, but with our actions and our attitudes. Rest assured, people are watching how you react in certain situations, especially if you have already put it out there that you are a Christian. People who deperately need it are looking for patience and peacefulness in their lives. Once they see that you have it, they are going to want to know how to get it. And that is the power of your witness for Jesus. They are not seeing you, they are seeing the Jesus in you. God Bless you, J.H.