All or Nothing
What does it take to stand out among the ordinary?
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. - Philippians 2:12-15
In a world where everyone is railing against everyone else, the way to stand out may just be to stay focused on the work we have to do and get to it.
Paul advises the church in Philippi to do just that, to do everything without complaining or arguing amongst themselves and just get down to it.
Sure, it is tempting to make a scene, to state your case and stand up for your position, but if it doesn't help move the ball, it is just empty talk. We see evidence of this in our Congress. Legislators seem to be more interested in arguing than getting anything done.
Isn't it better to make a little progress than none?
We are living in a time where every issue is an all or nothing situation. Either we get everything we want, or it is no deal. How can anything get done that way?
No one wants to compromise. Compromise is viewed as a weakness.
So, what do we do?
Sure, it is important to stand up for what we believe is right. But isn't it just as important to make headway?
Someone needs to be willing to set the example, and then the rest will follow. Who will that someone be?
Maybe it is our turn to take the wheel.
More to come...