There is grumbling, complaining and discontentment in America. We are more divided than ever over social issues, race, gender, the economy, and the list goes on. There are those who are complaining about some of Dr. Seuss books and cartoons like Paw Patrol and even Aunt Jemima. I just heard on the news that there are those who are complaining about the Kentucky state song, “My Old Kentucky Home”. There are complaints about the police and how our officials are handling the pandemic – to wear a mask or not to wear a mask, should businesses be closed and if so which ones, and should we take the Covid vaccine or not. People seem to be blaming every type of issue on racism.
We grumble about almost anything - the weather, our government, our churches, our circumstances and so many other trivial things. We complain about other drivers when we’re in our car. We complain about what others are wearing, how they talk, how they look and even the words they say. We complain at the referees at ballgames even when we are watching on TV and they are many miles away. Do you recognize yourself in any of these?
Yes, we should fight for what is just and right, but many people are fighting for the wrong things. We don’t believe in gender rights, but fight for women’s rights. We abort the unborn by the millions. We have God printed on our money, but there are those who don’t want His name in public. When things don’t go the way we think they should, we complain, protest and riot. You don’t see complaining about those who take the law into their own hands, those who destroy and loot businesses. When is this grumbling and discontentment going to stop?
Abraham Lincoln said “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (this is similar to what Jesus said in Mark 3:25.)
Grumbling and complaining is nothing new to humanity. In Exodus God parted the Red Sea and freed the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Three days later they grumbled at Moses because they had no water. If God could do a miracle like parting the sea, surely they should believe He could give them water. God gave them water. Then they grumbled because they had no food, so God gave them manna. Then they grumbled because there was no meat, so God provided quail for them to eat. Then when they ran out of water, they grumbled again and He provided water again. Moses told them when they grumble they were doing it against God.
Just like in Bible times, we do a LOT of grumbling and complaining. We never seem satisfied. We live in the middle of a crooked and unfair evil world. As God’s children we are supposed to shine light into a dark world. We are to set the example as to how to live, especially by not complaining about every little thing. Our grumbling and complaining is tarnishing our testimony to an unsaved world. Many people will never read the Bible, but they do read you. Our testimony is built on our life in Christ, a life free from grumbling and complaining. It should be filled with the joy of Christ and the salvation He has given us.
Grumbling and complaining is more that being discontent. It’s the voice of unbelief. We grumble and complain when we have listened to others rather than to God. We need to trust God and His great plan for us. He’s the Creator and the one in control. So when you complain you are doing it against God Himself. Grumbling and complaining is rebellion against God and is a sin.
Phil. 2:14 - “Do everything without grumbling and arguing.”
Life is not perfect and it won’t be until we get the heaven. Moses wasn’t a perfect leader. We have no perfect leaders in our churches or in our communities. We have seen with our own eyes how corrupt our government leaders can be. When we complain we are saying that God isn’t doing a good job and he’s made a mess of things. Remember God knows what He’s doing. So keep giving thanks in all things.
1 Thess. 5:18 - “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Grumbling and complaining can become a habit. Watching too much news and listening to the complaints of others influences us many times in a negative way. It causes you to be negative about almost everything. It causes us to be stressed. It causes us to be unhappy. Our friends don’t like to hear us always complaining.
How can we stop our complaining?
We need to pursue peace by dying to self and giving up our personal desires.
We need to avoid corrupt talk and speak life. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Eph 4:29. “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” – Matt. 5:22. If you can’t say anything positive, don’t day anything at all.
We need to persistently read God’s Word. What comes out of our mouths is what is in our hearts and minds. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” – Matt. 15:19.
We need to pray continually. Ask God to help you stop your grumbling and complaining. Ask Him to replace your bitterness with a heart of compassion and love.
Principle: Do everything without grumbling and arguing.
If you are one who grumbles and complains even sometime, I hope this has made you realize you need to stop. You are only hurting yourself and your happiness. Ask God to help you think before the words come out of your mouth. I know you will be happier person because of it.
Join me here next week for the next time. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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