Their voices rose in a great chorus of
protest against Moses and Aaron. "If only we had died in Egypt, or even
here in the wilderness!" they complained. Number
14:2 NLT
They were at it
again.
Growing up as a
preacher’s kid, I’d thought I’d heard it all—until I became one myself. People
who complained that Dad preached too long, or not long enough. People who
claimed to be his friend yet complained about him behind his back. People who
wanted him to resign but chose to grumble instead of approach the proper
authorities with their gripes.
My journey as a
minister wasn’t any different. I heard some of the same complaints made against
me—plus dealt with others. Individuals who couldn’t get along complained about
everything the other did and wanted me to fix the problem. Complaints because
I had a toilet repaired without going through the proper channels. Too many
changes. Not enough changes. Music too loud. The wrong type of music. Money spent
on the wrong things … according to their way of thinking.
Of course, I’m
not perfect. I’ve complained more than a few times about things I should have
kept quiet about. Moses did too. He complained about the complainers. The
millions who fussed because they were tired of the manna God fed them in the
wilderness. They didn’t have the various foods as they did in Egypt (Even
though in Egypt they were slaves.). Not enough water. And the Promised Land
that God led them to? Sure, it was a land of milk of honey, but giants
inhabited it, and the cities were walled. Complaints, complaints, complaints.
Millions of them.
God’s blessings
often come in a different way than I imagine. When I complain, it blinds me to
the blessings—and can even cause me to miss out on receiving them. The
Israelites needed food and water but complained when they had to eat the same
food day after day. They also didn’t expect water to flow from rocks.
Complaining
demonstrates a lack of thankfulness for God’s provision—in whatever form it
comes. I should give thanks in all circumstances because God controls them, and
He always acts out of love and for my benefit. Complaining shows I don’t trust
Him to meet my needs in the way He chooses.
Complaining also
runs off friends. No one enjoys being around someone who complains all the
time.
Let God teach you
to look on the bright side. Rather than complaining, thank Him in all
circumstances. You’ll be amazed at how your life changes.
Tweetable: Are complainers ruining your life?
Prayer: Father,
create in us thankful spirits so there will be no room for complaining spirits.
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We all get irritable at times and it's easy to slip into complaining mode, but how much more pleasant life is for ourselves and those around us, when we remember how much we have to be grateful for. Even in the most challenging times, there are small miracles all around us. The beauties of nature, a friendly smile, the fact that we are breathing. Thank you for the reminder this morning. I found your post on the GRAND Social.
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