Shining not Whining

 The Christian’s Joy                                   “Shining not Whining”                                                      Phil. 2:14-18   The Witness of our Lives (vv. 14-15)    1 Cor. 10:10-11 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.     Isa. 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! We’re in an upside down world.    1 Pet. 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.   The Witness of our Death (vv. 16-18)   Gratitude Assessment:   Do you find it easier to complain than to give thanks? Are you easily irritated and quickly impatient? Do mundane hassles get under your skin? Would the people who live nearest to you characterize you as a thankful person or a complaining person? Say “ouch or amen.” Do you look at your world and find many reasons to complain because things aren’t going your way? Do you look at your world and find yourself blown away at the many reasons you have every day to give thanks? Do you view yourself as one who has been constantly short-changed and neglected? Do you view yourself as one who has been showered with blessings? How often do you grumble “If only I had _____” or “I wish that _____ was different”? How often do you whisper thanks to God or communicate thanks to those around you?