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 sk6 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. – Philippians 2:14-16
Grumbling refers to any negative emotional response to something you don’t like and arguing is going back and forth with someone about a particular topic. Both hinder obedience. If we want to see God work in our lives we need to have the attitude of obedience when God puts it on our heart to do something.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. – Philippians 2:3-7
Selfishness can ruin a church, but genuine humility can build it up. Being humble involves having a true perspective about ourselves. We are to lay aside the attitude of selfishness and treat others with respect and courtesy. Considering other interests as more important than our own links us with Christ, who was a true example of humility.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. – Colossians 3:23-24
Since the creation, God has given us work to do. If we could regard our work as an act of worship or service to God, such an attitude would take some of the boredom out of work. We could work without complaining or resentment. And we should remember that we are a reflection of God in our workplaces so we should always work with an attitude of excellence.
That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:20-24
When you were saved you received a new wardrobe. But you’ve got to take off the old clothes and put on the new. When God makes your insides clean, you what your outsides to match as well. This happens by changing your thinking and attitude. Be renewed in the spirit of your minds which means to start to think differently or have a new attitude that lines up with the word of God.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:8-9
These virtues should govern the way that we think. Eventually as we keep thinking in line like this our attitude and behaviour will change and eventually become permanent.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:1-2
The world has a pattern or a way of doing things. It is very narcissistic and self serving. The attitude of the world is to get all you can and keep it for yourself. While Christianity is the opposite. But this attitude or way of thinking cannot be in the mind of the believer unless they renew their mind by reading the Word of God regularly.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:31-32
All the vices mentioned in these verses here have their root in the heart. The only way for us to be free from them is to pray and ask Jesus to come into our hearts and allow us to love like him. If we are able to love like he does then we cannot be bitter against anyone, We can’t have rage and uncontrolled anger towards anyone else. This is impossible because the Holy Spirit will help us to keep our control. Keep this in mind if you realise your attitude towards others starts to creep towards one of these vices.