How many times a day do you hear the people around you complaining? We complain about the weather because it is too hot and too dry but if it rains we complain that it’s raining too much. We complain about our coworkers because they aren’t doing their jobs like we think they should. We complain about our children because they talk too much. We complain about our spouses because they come home to relax on the couch after work instead of taking out the trash or feeding the dog the minute they come in the door. We complain about the price of gas. We complain about the poor service we receive while eating out. Pregnant women complain about being pregnant. Women complain about men, men complain about women.
If we look to God’s Word, we can find many references to complaining. Other words used for “complaining,” depending on the translation you use, are grumbling or murmuring. What does the Word say about complaining? We know the Israelites complained many times. It didn’t please God to hear their complaints, and we shouldn't be complainers either.
In Philippians 2:14, it says “Do everything without complaining or arguing.”
Do you notice when you complain or just when other people do it and it gets on your nerves? How do you feel when complaining? You’re probably not cheerful and in a good mood. It feels dark and dreary to be around someone who is always complaining about everything.
As Christians we need to be careful that whatever we find ourselves doing we aren’t complaining. Instead we need to be thankful and speak positive words. Be thankful for the rain because the earth is dry. Be thankful you have a job. Be thankful you have ears to hear your children speak. Be thankful your spouse provides for your family. Be thankful you have a vehicle to fill with gas. Be thankful you have money to enjoy eating out and consider maybe the waitress would rather be at home with her family instead of at a second job to make ends meet for the month. Be thankful for the child you are carrying and the precious gift God has given you.
If you look for ways to give thanks instead of complain, you will have a better outlook and a better day. Also you'll be spreading some sunshine to those around you instead of being a dark cloud over their day.
Come back on Friday (tomorrow is Thankful Thursday!) for the reason it’s important for us not to complain.
2 comments:
Amen, well said my friend.
My friend and I used to talk about murmuring and complaining. My dh occasionally will talk about it too. I am a huge complainer sometimes and I really try to think about what I am saying.
This is a GREAT post!! Thanks for the reminder.
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