Philippians 2:14-16 – “Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.”  NIV

Philippians 2:14-16 – “Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” NKJV

I truly believe that we should examine everything with due diligence and verify doctrines with the Word of God.  I also believe there is a place for willing obedience to those in authority in the Church.  I love what the apostle Paul had to say in 1 Corinthians 11:1 – “…follow me AS I follow Christ.”  In the earlier portion of the text chapter, Paul tells the hearers to have the same mind as the Lord Jesus walking in obedience.

We are taught in Scripture that we are “living stones” placed in God’s building by the wise master builders that God has selected to oversee our spiritual walk.  In the natural, a stone is placed where the mason desires as prescribed by the architect but in living stones, we tend to resist, argue, push back, and let our egos override our obedience.  We sometimes think of ourselves more highly than we ought at any particular time.

James 4:10 informs us that if we humble ourselves before God, He will exalt us.  When?  In His time!  Attitude is a problem in society and the spiritual realm.  Our attitude determines our altitude and our altitude determines our aptitude.  If we truly love the Lord, we should be content to bloom where He plants us and remain there until He transplants us.  If our assignment is cleaning the toilets, shoveling out the stables, sweeping the floors then let us be the best we can be at that task.  If our assignment is standing before people, then let us do that with humility and allow the Holy Spirit to live and speak through us. No matter our assignment we should pursue it without complaint and argument. 

I am not suggesting that you mindlessly obey human authority but that you allow the Holy Spirit to hone and develop you in His time and in His way.  Iron sharpens iron and few of us like being sharpened for it is sometimes painful and hard on our egos.  Paul, a mighty apostle of God could honestly declare that he was content wherever God placed him and in whatever condition he found himself.  Why?  Because his inner peace, contentment, and significance did not come from external recognition or position it came from a relationship with the Lord Himself.  It came through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 

When God determines it is time to promote you, He will, and you will find success.  If you force doors open you will find discontent, dissatisfaction, and disappointment.  Let your attitude be one of obedience and I am convinced God will open the doors to your dreams in due time!   

God bless you as you go through this wonderful day!