Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:14-15

Hey Crew! It’s been a little while since I have written a new newsletter so it feels good to jump back on deck. This week I am actually going to be addressing something that will apply to us all, as servants in CM, but I think it spills over the boat into all believers.

The verse I began with this week is a hard one to swallow. You mean I am to do ALL THINGS without complaining? But I don’t want to...it’s so hard (oops...did it again). This verse is such an important one to keep in the front of our minds, why? Because it is SO EASY to begin complaining and arguing over everything.

The food we have (or lack of)
The clothes we wear
The car we drive
The job we have (don't have)
The friends, family, spouse we have

If we truly wanted to we could complain about everything all the time. In fact, with facebook & twitter I can complain with a few well selected status updates and get a string of comments to help fuel my pity party. I know...I've done it too.

But I must once again die to myself and take up my cross & obey the instruction God has given me - "Do EVERYTHING without arguing or complaining..." The good news is that there is a reason to do this...it's so we may shine like stars in a wicked and perverse generation.

This (once again) brings me back to social media. Crew beware. Your status, tweets, and texts are being seen my a wicked and perverse generation. The people in your friends list are getting a constant stream of your thoughts and they are seeing (or not seeing) Christ in your words. When we complain or argue we are telling the world that God is not as good as He we think He should be and this causes the unbeliever to mock out Lord.

Do we go through hard times, yes.
Do we struggle with things, yes.
Do we have to complain about those things for all to see, no.

This is not a post designed to beat up on everyone or point to anyone in particular. I am a social media guy and I need to guard my texts too. Here are a few questions to ask as you update you status:

1) Does it glorify God?
2) Am I complaining?
3) Does it benefit or hurt my church or Pastor David?
4) Can it cause someone to stumble?
5) Will it draw an unbeliever toward God?

Think about these things as you update and tweet. For those who are rebellious and have not jumped on the facebook bandwagon, this word still applies. As we teach kids and minister to parents be careful not to complain about serving or a troublesome child. While we may have the roughest day ever, we must still guard our tongues and make sure we are glorifying our Lord even amidst hardship.

So, now that the conviction boat has left the port ;-) , let me say that you all are the most amazing people in the world. I am blessed each week as I co-labor with you all each week in CM. Your hearts for the Lord and for service continue to bless me and Kat. Thank you.

Also, we look forward to another amazing VBS this year with you all! (June 13th-16th).