2. When we choose positive, encouraging lifestyles, God will bless us with powerful spiritual growth that will point people to Christ and be a blessing to our mentors.

3. The Challenges 1) Don’t whine. “Do everything without grumbling…” Philippians 2:14a

4. Whiney Statements: My boss has no idea how hard I’ve been working. My teacher is killing me with too much homework. Hey, the light turned green. Get moving!

5. Man, someone sat in my seat at church again. Why is it taking so long for my table waiter to come take my order? Why did God allow that to happen?!

6. “All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, ‘If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword?’” Numbers 14:2-3a

7. Whiney Statement: My boss has no idea how hard I’ve been working. Winning Statement: God is my ultimate boss, and He knows what I’m doing.

8. Whiney Statement: My teacher is killing me with too much homework. Winning Statement: I have the opportunity to get a good education and learn something new!

9. Whiney Statement: Hey, the light turned green. Get moving! Winning Statement: I’m thankful I have a car and don’t have to walk everywhere I go.

10. Whiney Statement: Man, someone sat in my seat at church again. Winning Statement: I’m so glad I have the freedom to worship! Let me reach out to him/her.

11. Whiney Statement: Why is it taking so long for my table waiter to come take my order? Winning Statement: I’m thankful I have food to eat and money to pay for it.

12. Whiney Statement: Why did God allow that to happen?! Winning Statement: God, I really trust you, even if I don’t understand.

13. “And do not grumble, as some of them did – and were killed by the destroying angel.” 1 Corinthians 10:10

14. “Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:14

15. The Challenges 2) Don’t argue. “…or arguing.” Philippians 2:14b

16. The Blessings 1) You will grow. “…so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’” Philippians 2:15a

17. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” James 3:2

18. The Blessings 2) You will reflect the light in a dark world. “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Philippians 2:15b-16a

19. “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16

20. God’s desire Shine and Share

21. The Blessings 3) You will be a blessing to your leaders. “And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.” Philippians 2:16b

22. The Goal Pour yourself out on the right sacrifice.

23. “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” Philippians 2:17-18

24. “This is the regular burnt offering instituted at Mount Sinai as a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord. The accompanying drink offering is to be a quarter of a hin of fermented drink with each lamb. Pour out the drink offering to the Lord at the sanctuary.” Numbers 28:6-7

25. Shining for the Glory of God As you wake up, say, “Good morning, Lord! How may I serve you today?” I can grumble about my health or thank God I am alive.

26. I can complain because roses have thorns or celebrate that thorns have roses. I can whine about going to work or thank God I have a job.

27. I can whine about going to school or open my mind to learn new things. In tough times I can say to God, “I don’t understand, but I am going to trust you – one day at a time.”

28. “If I get accused of being a follower of Christ, I would like to be found guilty.”