Complaining: February 26, 2010

February 26. TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2010.

COMPLAINING

DEFINITION:

Express pain or resentment; find fault; make a formal charge.

SCRIPTURE:

“Do all things without complaining and disputing.” Philippians 2:14.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

It seems to us that there are people in our world that seem to have been born to complain. We have known people, down through the years that have complained about something almost every time we met them. Some people complain so much that they must wake up every morning thinking of things to complain about.

Just take a moment now and think back to the most recent times when you have complained about something. What was your mind set like at the time you were complaining? Most complaining stems from dissatisfaction with things as they are.

When the weather is hot people will complain about the heat and when it gets cold they will complain of the cold. And the person that is the recipient of your complaint most likely did not cause the issue nor can do anything to solve your complaint. We become discontent when we focus on what we do not have instead of being thankful for what we have.

Moses had to endure much complaining from the Israelites as he was leading them to the Promised Land. The Israelites had suffered terribly during the years they were slaves in Egypt. Just three days after Moses led them from the Red sea on their journey to the Promised Land they complained about the hardship of traveling in the desert.

They complained to Moses that they had no water. Moses prayed to God and God provided a source of water. A month and a half later they complained about a lack of food and longed to be back in Egypt. God provided manna from heaven for them. Then they complained that they had only manna and longed for the meat they had in Egypt.

At this point Moses was completely discouraged by all the complaining. Moses complained to God asking God why He had put the burden of all the Israelites on him. (Numbers 11:11) God answered by providing quail for them to eat.

The Israelites had short memories. They quickly forgot all that the Lord had done for them. All they thought about was what they did not have.

Jesus and His disciples often visited the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. On one visit Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to what He had to say. Martha was busy with the preparations of the food and began to feel sorry for herself so she complained to Jesus and asked Him to tell Mary to get up and help. Jesus responded, “Martha, Martha, you are troubled about many things. But one thing is needed and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” What Jesus was telling Martha was that she worried more about doing things for Jesus than spending time with Him.

Did you notice that in Jesus’ response He said Martha was troubled about many things? Martha was sincere in her desire to serve but sincerely wrong in her attitude. She had a difficult time doing “all things without complaining.”

We all have times in our lives when we feel that others are not doing their part and our reaction is to complain. Paul encourages us in Philippians to ---

DO ALL THINGS WITHOUT COMPLAINING AND DISPUTING

--- because we are God’s representatives to the world. Our conduct and attitude must reflect that we have Christ in our life. When you react this way you will accomplish two things. Personally you will reduce dramatically the times you complain. Secondly your family and friends will see a new person in you.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in John 1:12.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.

PRAYER:

Help me not to complain about the “things” I do not have. Help me to thank You for all that I do have. Touch my heart today and help me to realize that all I need is You. Give me a spirit of thankfulness and love and contentment.