God’s Word exhorts us in Philippians 2:14, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings".
In the communion and service of the church, believers are dissuaded from engaging in two evils, namely murmuring and disputing. The apostle Paul is concerned about some who engage in spiritual activities with murmuring and disputing. In other words, they practise religion without sincerity and joy. When God-given duties are done with murmuring and a disgruntled spirit, such service will be unacceptable. So, all Christians must guard themselves against such evil conduct. Both of those sins must be abhorred and avoided, if our services are to be effective and helpful.
True religion is never merely external observance of duties. Hence Paul admonished, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings". All our activities must be rendered cheerfully and willingly. Everything that God has given us to do must be carried out with enthusiasm and readiness. Whether one does God’s work alone or with others, one must perform it with a genuine spirit of compliance to His will, coupled with diligence.
Some murmur against God and His servants, like the Israelites in the wilderness when experiencing a time of scarcity. In Numbers 11:4-6, we read about them: "And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes" (cf. Exodus 15:24; 16:7-9). Others murmur because they are discontented with and envious of the godly men and women whom God uses (cf. Numbers 14:1-4; 16:41; Mark 14:5). There are yet others who murmur because of their unbelief and their bigoted desire to spread their sedition (cf. Luke 15:2; Jude 1:16).
The spirit of murmuring is perilous. God’s Word cautions us, "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer" (1 Corinthians 10:10). Murmuring is often the result of envy, discontentment, bitterness, pride and unbelief. It results in numerous evil deeds, such as gossip, backbiting, slander, usurping of authority, defiance, sedition, dissension and schism. Murmuring is not just a dispute with man, but also with God! So, serve the Lord without any murmur or dispute.
Dear Pastor Koshy,
I praise the Lord for opening another Bible study group. We ministered God’s Word in Dalumat, San Jacinto last Thursday. We had prepared sandwiches and juice, so we could share a simple meal after the Bible study. Thank God for bringing the family of our jeepney captain and his neighbours. May the Lord sustain the work. God willing, we will meet every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.
Praise God for bringing to us Sis Cecille (who has returned home from Singapore for her vacation). She stayed with us in the mission station, thereby encouraging one another. We had prayer meeting and prayed for the leaders/ preachers/ missionaries in all our Gethsemane churches. She also joined us in the Bible studies in Tebag and Dalumat.
Thank God for healing two elderly sisters (Sis. Rosie and Sis. Teresita) and strengthening them to attend the church last Lord’s Day, where a total of 47 (32 adults / teens and 15 children) came for worship.
Now is the harvest season for the rice farms. It brings both good and bad news to us. The good news is that many worshippers experience God’s goodness and provision through this harvest. The bad news is that some of them would not worship because they are busy with post-harvest activities. May the Lord convict the hearts of the brethren to keep the Lord’s Day holy and to prioritise the things of God more than their earthly goods.
Please continue to pray for us as we serve the Lord in this region.
In Christ,
Donald dela Cruz
