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The book of Exodus has a lot to say about complaining. It seems that the Israelites never really learned their lesson about trust and faith in their God who always provided for their needs.
Being human ourselves, we know that we are not too far removed from the Israelites in the wilderness. We too, have our list of gripes and complaints. Why, its so... American, we think, and so we whine and complain. It's our right as free citizens.
Paul warns that we not be complainers like the Israelites and fall into the same sin of disbelief as they did! (1 Cor. 10:10). Sounds like sound advice to me.
Consider the following article from John Gibson:
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, says the apostle Paul. His reason? That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world... (Phil. 2:15).
We are in danger of dissipating our energies on insignificant things like quarreling, faultfinding, disputing, grumbling, and questioning. If we are not careful we will spend ourselves in foolish debate and senseless controversy. We must watch out because God's purpose for our lives is something better and greater.
Halford E. Luccock observed, Grumbling is more than a peccadillo, a somewhat unfortunate trait of personality. The habit of grumbling is a major sin, judged by what it does to character. It can spoil the whole climate of life.
And as Paul says, it doesn't set the right kind of example before, a crooked and perverse generation. He knew what Philippian society was like. It was morally warped and spiritually perverted. (Is our society any different?)
The Christian is placed in the midst of such environments-not to be conformed, but to transform by being light-bearers to such a generation. Our influence should be shining like stars of heaven against the dark sky of surrounding sin an impossibility if we give in to pouting, sulking, and grumbling.
So, Christian, shine like stars at home, at work and in the world!
Don't grumble!
Tom Nuckels |