Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, (Philippians 2:14-15 NKJV)
Before you read any further, get all your complaints and rants out of your system. That’s right, say it out loud, because this might be your last complaint. I wish it could be that easy to stop. It’s a nasty habit we inherited from our Israelite forefathers. Never mind that we aren’t Jewish.
Each time we grumble, little dust particles gather on our shiny testimonies. Have you ever dusted a lamp shade or light bulb that has missed a few cleanings? What happens after you remove all the dust? It shines brighter.
We are lights in a dark, crooked and perverse world, yet our lights have become dull from our murmurings.
The generation that left Egypt with Moses were accomplished complainers. They had it down to an art. That same generation also missed out on entering the Promise Land because of unbelief. They didn’t believe God when He promised to help them conquer their enemies. Thirty-eight years later, a new generation camped at the same place, and they vowed to utterly destroy their enemies if God would deliver them into their hands.
Wow! Moses has got to be proud of these second-generation Israelites. They trusted God, rather than rebelling against Him. What a change! What a delight!
But that apple didn’t fall far from the tree. As they journeyed. Their souls became discouraged (numbers 21:5). Then Moses heard the same murmuring that he had heard from their parents and grandparents. No food. No water, and we are sick of eating manna. They hurled accusations at both Moses and God. “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in this wilderness.”
I really had hope for these folks. They possessed a shining testimony, but in a matter of a few verses, they dimmed their shining lights along with their testimonies.
Sadly, we aren’t much different. I really try not to complain. I really do because I know whatever I complain about, it’s truly a complaint against God.
I am an avid walker, so my greatest complaint is the weather. It seems like I am never satisfied. Too hot or too cold. Next comes my physical comfort. I grumble about headaches and sinus congestion.
Friend, we can have the greatest victories to share with people. We can say, “This is what the Lord has done for me today.”
So, let’s get it off our chests. Have a rant, and then let’s try not to complain for twenty-four hours. Get a family member to hold you accountable. Better yet, do it together.
If we can make it for twenty-four hours, can we try for 2 days? What about one week?
We will probably never totally dump the complaint habit, but our testimonies will shine brighter when there’s less dust.
Lord, forgive me for complaining more than I pray. Help me stop this habit that is offensive to You. I am truly grateful for Your many blessings. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV:
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
HIKING THE TRAIL
When I read the above verses in context, I find the reason complaining is so offensive to God. If I really believe I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, then I have no reason to complain. Examine those verses. What is God saying to you today?
RELATED RESOURCES
Worry and complaining are two sides of the same coin. Learn how to exchange worry for worship in Eyes of Faith: Winning the Battle Between Our Feelings and Our Faith. Click here for details.
Originally posted on February 22, 2021 @ 3:00 am
WOW…I have been like those Israelites all during COVID. Never mind mask wearing causes me panic attacks (just like no water meant them being thirsty, no food meant they were hungry) so even though masks cause me great anxiety, complaining about it changes mothing about the fact we are told to wear a mask. My complaining is not Christ like in my witness to anyone watching me or listening to me or reading posts on face book. I saw a cartoon meme once were there were two windows with someone behind it to speak to or deal with the person standing there and it showed a long line of people lined up at the window labeled “Complaint department” and no one was in line at the “Gratitude department”. And you know what I have found to be even more discouraging is the number of fellow believers who openly complain all the time in face book. Jesus forgive me for all my complaining during COVID.
Amen sister! Don’t feel bad, because I complained all through 2020. After having Covid, I now complain about people not staying home when sick. At first, it astounded me that they were so reckless, but right now, I must confess – it’s just another complaint. I don’t complain about staying home now because it’s my choice and one I feel good about and that God will tell me when to step out. I still go walking of course.