Today’s passage challenges the natural human response: Do all things without complaining and disputing. “All things” means everything, providing that it’s not immoral or contrary to the Bible.

“All things” or “everything” is pretty black and white … the things I don’t agree with, the things I don’t necessarily feel comfortable about, the circumstances I wish were different — everything.

At a personal level, that is challenging. This reminds me that God is more concerned about me becoming more like Him than He is with my own preference. Christlike conformity and my own comfort level rarely coexist.

And throughout life’s peaks or valleys, when I lay aside my own expectations, I understand that it’s life’s hard moments — those I don’t always agree with — that usually best sharpen and shape me for my benefit, moving forward.

So I too challenge you, as you approach life’s circumstances, some of which may not be the most welcoming, gracefully embrace it without grumbling, and hold God’s hand through all of life.

Athlete, you are to be an example. And not complaining will surely be an example for others.