do all things...

. Philippians 2:14 says Do all things without grumbling or complaining.  Whoa.  ALL things?   Really?

Seems pretty impossible.  I mean, really, everybody complains.  At least a little!  Even if it's just about the weather!  It would be odd not to, wouldn't it?

That seems to be precisely the point. Check out the next verse

that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Oh.  Oh. 

So maybe, just maybe, if we Christ-followers don't grumble and complain like everybody else does, we might stick out like lights in the darkness.  And the world might take notice that we are different and wonder why.

And maybe, just maybe, we could then give an account for the hope that is within us.  And gladly explain that we can do all the things we do cheerfully without complaint because we trust our loving and sovereign Heavenly Father who directs our lives and is always at work for our good. 

ALL things.  Oh.