Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:14-15, NIV

Why do we allow ourselves to think thoughts that do not edify or honor others, let alone God? Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a big sign that popped up in our subconscious before thinking negative thoughts that read: Be cautious, deadly thoughts ahead?

As educators, we encourage our students to think critically and outside of the box. Yet what we allow our own minds to think can be dangerous…

I bet that at some point you have also thought about how you wished that one student wasn’t in your class…or how you resented having to be the babysitter all the time… or maybe you find it really hard at times to work as if you are working for the Lord. For me, that’s a struggle all too real.

But the apostle Paul writes that we should avoid grumbling and complaining. When we do this, we will “shine like stars in the sky.”

How bright is your light shining?

Dear Lord, please help us to bring honor and glory to You with our thoughts. Help us to edify one another and not be grumblers or complainers, but instead shine brightly in our world. We love you, Amen.

Copyright Angela O’Keefe.

Angela is a member and teaches children with learning disabilities in Florida.