It is interesting to note that some of the characteristics of being blameless, innocent children before God, are that of not being a grumbler (a tendency to complain, protest, discontent) and disputing (to question or doubt the truth or validity of something to disagree, argue, fight for or strive against or resist; a serious argument or disagreement).
In Verses 16 + 18 + 21: Paul says, “Holding fast to the Word of life, so that in the day of Christ (Jesus) I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. And you too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.” One’s holding on to the Word of God, the only Word of Life, while pouring oneself for the sake of others’ faith, truly demonstrates having the Lord’s interest at heart, and foremost in their life.
Paul says in 2 Timothy 3: 1 – 5: “But realize this (understand, take it to heart), that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self (self-centered), lovers of money (greedy desire for wealth), boastful, arrogant, revilers (assail with abusive language; blasphemous, contemptuous), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving (callous and inhumane), irreconcilable, malicious gossips (spiteful: vicious, slanderers, or mischievous in motivation or purpose; showing a desire to cause harm to someone), without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous (characterized by faithlessness or readiness to betray trust; deceptive, untrustworthy, unreliable), reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding to a form (visual appearance) of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these. In chapter 4: 3 – 4: He says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate to themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to myths.”
Colossians 3: 12 – 16: says, “And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity, and let the peace of Christ (Jesus) rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the Word of Christ (Jesus) richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
What a treasure of insight for us to embrace, so that looking in the mirror of this Word we may recognize the absolute need we have of the Holy Spirit to keep us alert, and in check from all deceptions. 1 Thessalonians 3: 12 – 13: says, “And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.”
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: thank You so much for those who have come before us, and given us such priceless words of wisdom and warning. Come by Your Holy Spirit, and give us true insight as to the condition of our heart, so that we may receive the grace for repentance, forgiveness and restoration to Your perfect Will. Glory to You alone!
