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Do all things without grumbling or disputing, (Philippians 2:14)

We are to have a proper attitude in all that we do as believers. Paul commands the Philippian believers that they are to continue in the things that they are doing without murmuring. The Greek word (γογγυσμός goggusmos) is the word used in the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament Scriptures in the places where the Israelites murmured against God. It carries the onomatopoeic idea of muttering against something. It pictures the personal, private dislike of what one is doing. It is a negative position of discontent.

The word (διαλογισμός dialogismos) means to have doubts and questions, and also to hold outward discussions. It appears in this context that Paul is warning against both the inward dislikes and negative position and an outward negative discussion that leans toward full questioning of God’s desire. We should never think we please God strictly by our outward actions. He is well aware of our heart attitudes about what we are doing. It would be better not to minister in a given situation than to do it from a negative and doubting attitude.

As Christians, we do all things in a calm, pleasant, peaceful, unobjectionable manner. We are not to fight with others verbally or physically, nor cause discord or argue. The apostle Paul is building on what he had written in verses 3 – 5, where he had taught the general responsibilities of what it means to be humble-minded and view others better than ourselves. To be wholly humble, he now touches on doing all things in a relaxed and mild way and setting aside grumbling or disputing.