AUGUST 8, Philippians 2:14

Jane and Jean are identical twins who are similar in many ways . This makes it hard to tell them apart based on their looks, dressing, likes, dislikes and even their tendency to complain. Whenever they are asked to do a chore by mum or dad, they will complain and murmur.

Such a nature stems from selfishness and self-centeredness. When doing a chore, they will not co-operate. They operate on a ‘I-do-mine-and you-do-yours’ attitude. For example, Jane will wash her own plate after use and not Jean’s and vice-versa. Complaining to their parents about each other is very much a common practice at home and it is not a pretty sight at all. Their attitude leads to a ‘ no-one-does-anything’ attitude and so one day, something terrible almost happens.

The twins live with their 80 year old grandma, and they have been told not to leave their things on the floor in case grandma trips on those things. This instruction fell on deaf ears. One night, after returning from a party, instead of putting away their bags properly, they left their bags on the floor haphazardly. Even though they were aware of their parents’ instruction, they could not be bothered to obey because they were self-centred.

The next morning, after grandma woke up, she tripped over the bags because the colour of the bags blended in with the colour of the floor. Thankfully, her fall was cushioned by the nearby sofa and she was not badly hurt. However, she suffered a nasty shock. When the twins learnt of it, they apologised to grandma. They were ashamed and promised not to be selfish or complain or argue with each other.

Thought: Do you complain or murmur? Do you argue with your sibling over who is to do the chores at home?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me not to complain, especially when I am asked to do some chores. I must always be willing to help others at home, in school and church. In Jesus’ name, I pray Amen.