And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28: 18-20

No

Grumbling.

No

Disputing.

It’s almost impossible to explain the heart behind why we should do all things without grumbling and disputing (arguing, complaining) without first taking you to Paul’s words written just prior to this verse. For this we are going to open up Philippians 1: 1-11 NKJV.

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

 

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

 

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

 

Therefore God also has highly exhalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 1: 1-11 NKJV

Out of our gratitude and union with Christ, when we decided to except his gift of salvation, we are to take on his same attitude in our own lives.

A life filled with humility, love, mercy, and consideration for others. One in which our life is not segmented, but instead everything we do in our daily life serves an eternal purpose. Whether we are at work, school, in the stands, at practice, with our friends or in our homes the words we use and the attitude we display have the ability to draw people closer or farther from the Lord.

Philippians 2: 12-18 NKJV continues on to say…

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be 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,

holding fast to 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.

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2: 12-18 NKJV

Choosing a life free from grumbling and disputing (arguing, complaining) isn’t always easy, and it doesn’t mean it isn’t without sacrifice.

But it does mean is it’s worth it. It brings rejoicing.

Living a life that looks different than what the world offers, one in service to God instead of yourself, shows those around you there is a better way. An eternal way, and one that brings light to your life and those around you.

And since it is hard to end one habit without replacing it with another, it makes total since that he includes Philippians 4: 4-9 NKJV in his closing.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Let your gentleness be known to all me. The Lord is at hand.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4: 4-9

It’s not enough to just bite your tongue and not grumble or argue. You must replace that with life giving thoughts and actions with thanksgiving and prayer to God! Then you receive peace, then you shine light in the darkness. Without it, you simply grow resentment and anger toward those around you, rather than bring light and life to a dark and dying world.