Do You Want to Shine?

February 17, 2026

From Pastor Joseph Wamack

A young man, longing to serve God, decided to join a monastery and become a monk. When he joined the monastery, he had to take a vow of silence, where he could only speak once every ten years. During these ten years, he was supposed to focus on reading the Bible and praying. After the first ten years his superior called him in and asked, "Do you have anything to say?" The young monk replied, "Food bad."

Another ten years passed and then the superior called the young monk in again and asked him to voice his thoughts. The young monk replied, "Bed hard."

Another ten years went by and again he was called in before his superior. When asked if he had anything to say, he responded, "I quit."

The head monk looked at him and said, "It doesn't surprise me a bit. You've done nothing but complain ever since you got here."

You might know someone that complains a lot. I have often been accused of being a complainer. But it is not my fault! I was raised by a mom who lived by the motto-“if you don’t have anything nice to say-come sit by me.” Complaining and criticism were more common in my home than compliments. If no one said anything that meant everything was alright. My mom was afraid if we were complimented too much, we would get big headed. It was easier to point out people’s shortcomings and setbacks than offer words of encouragement or hope.

But it might be time for me to stop crying and complaining about my complaining mommy and quit blaming everything on her. I am a big boy now. I can make my own choices. And I have discovered that complaining or speaking positively are habits that we cultivate, much like a garden. As we plant, as we cultivate, we form habits and patterns. What we grow is the result of what we planted. What is the harvest of your heart?

Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”

In other words, the way we speak, reflects on the character of God to those around us. Do you want to shine? Then let your words be true, kind and honest. You are the master of the words that come out of your mouth. Speak well today. Speak upright, moral, grace filled words. When you come to church, speak kindly to those you see and sit next to. You don’t know what kind of a week they have had or what is going on in their lives. For some, it is poor relationships, or money concerns, or health issues. You might be able to plant a seed of hope rather than a weed of scorn. Use your voice for kindness, your ears for compassion, your hands for charity, your mind for truth and your heart for LOVE. Please …and thank you….J