Legitimate complaints

 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:3-5 (ESV)

I had a lot of legitimate complaints this week. I wanted what I wanted and I thought about ways to justify my complaints. I thought about my 40-day journey to become thankful. I knew that God cares about my concerns. I turned to Him for guidance.

I opened my Bible in Philippians 2. I had visited this passage before. Today, I found a special direction for my complaint problems. I was challenged to count others more significant than myself.

Wait a minute. If I was to get my way, I was going to be more significant than the person I was complaining about. The Bible text is telling me to look for the interest of others. That sounds costly and inconvenient if I approach it from a selfish place.

God was showing me a different way. He was telling me to put on the humility of Jesus. Jesus emptied Himself and humbled Himself. He became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

God is calling me to have the same mindset. I need to empty myself, be humble and obedient. My selfish desires need to be put to death.

I am learning that although my complaints can be legitimate, my heart needs to be ruled by humility. Have you checked your heart when you have a complaint? Is it being ruled by humility? If not, I encourage you to ask God to help you have the same mind and attitude as Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, I have some legitimate complaints today. More importantly, you legitimately want to change me. Help me to be like Jesus. I want his humility. I want to be obedient to you. With your help, I can truly become the servant you have called me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.