I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH EVERYTHING

I used to have a problem with the word "everything" as it appears in this Scripture verse  -   "Do everything without grumbling or arguing...." 
A word study of the word "everything"  revealed something I didn't like.   It means..."all things, each, every, any, the whole, everything."  IT MEANS.... EVERYTHING!!!  It means.... doing the laundry, cleaning the floor, loving his mother, raising the kids, going to work, making dinner, paying the bills.....it means EVERY SINGLE THING you do you (and I) must do it WITHOUT grumbling about it or complaining about it TO.. . your mother, your girlfriends, the people at work, your kids, your husband or even to yourself.  That's what it means.  

WHY? WHY? WHY? If you read the verses before and after this particular one in the second chapter of the book of Philiippians you will read, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus"  God requires it, that's why.  We are called to the highest level of relationship - in every relationship we have.   God requires them to be strong where it matters.. which is in the very core of our beings.. in our ATTITUDES toward one another.  
So while you or I might think, "Just be happy that I'm doing it.. ok? And don't get yourself all in a huff about my attitude while I'm doing it." 
God says.. "What matters is the attitude you have AS YOU DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO -  It needs to be the attitude that Jesus had and has."

Jesus didn't say,  "You know...I don't know why I am expected to be the One to clean up after you humans. Will you LOOK AT HOW I'M SUFFERING FOR YOU??? Do you see how much I do for you.... you ungrateful people?"

And when we fall short and fail, Jesus attitude toward you and me is NEVER -  "How many TIMES do I have to tell you to NOT TO DO THAT????  My patience with you is just about to run out! Do you hear me?  I will not TOLERATE ONE MORE sin! OK? Do you hear me sister?"

So today, dear wife, I have a spiritual experiment for you to consider.  Find a way to thank God for everything you have to do today.  Just for today.  Thank Him for the strength to do it. Thank Him for having laundry to wash, food to cook, children to lead, a husband to love.  Ask Him to send the Holy Spirit to change your attitude.  And then give the Holy Spirit permission to change it.
Try it. One day.  Tell me what happens to your heart.

 "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 


Love and hugs,
Mrs. Older
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