Grumbling: October 25, 2010

Today's Word for Monday October 25, 2010

GRUMBLING

DEFINITION

A discontented mutter; a growl; complain.

SCRIPTURE

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

These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to get advantage. Jude 16

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Children often grumble. We experienced it often when we gave our children a job to do that they were not happy about. They would often reply with words like, "but why me?" As they reluctantly went on their way to do as they were told (we did not give them an option) they would grumble under their breath saying that they didn't understand why they had to do everything and none of their siblings had to do it. Of course, none of the siblings would agree as they had their equal share of jobs to do. In fact, they were also equally guilty of grumbling.

It is hard not to observe that grumbling is contagious. When one person starts grumbling or complaining it can stir up a whole group.

I (Ken) can remember in high school a teacher telling our class that he would not tolerate griping in his class room because grumbling and complaining cause's dissension and can undermine the spiritual and emotional health of an entire group. This teacher knew this and did not want discord in his classroom which would be disruptive to the learning environment.

Grumbling of course is not limited to children. We all grumble at times and grumbling is nothing new. Moses heard grumbling and griping among God's people just three days after he led them from slavery into freedom. The people complained against Moses saying, "What shall we drink." Exodus 15:24. As a result of their grumbling they forgot the joy of their new God given freedom from slavery and they lost their trust in God to provide for them.

Centuries later, Samuel felt the weight of grumbling people as he sought to represent God to his generation. The elders came to Samuel ( I Samuel 8:4-9) telling him he was old and his sons did not walk in His ways honoring God so they wanted a King appointed so they could be like all the other nations. Their grumbling led them to reject God's plan for them. God gave them their way and the result was the eventual destruction of Israel.

In the verse from Jude (above) written by Jude the brother of James, who were both the brothers of Jesus, Jude describes the apostate members of the body of believers in the early church. He tells us that they were grumblers and complainers and had the ability to express themselves in "great swelling words' to impress and deceive people. In verse 9, Jude says, "These are the men who divide you ..." There can be no doubt that grumbling is divisive and harmful. This is why Paul admonished us to, "Do all things without complaining and disputing." In addition to being grumblers they desired to follow their own evil ways. Believers who grumble are not a positive testimony for the Lord.

We need to avoid a grumbling and complaining spirit because we belong to God and we are serving Christ. Instead, we are to rejoice and thank God for all that He has done for us. When you feel like grumbling or griping start counting your blessings and see what God has done for you and what He can do through you.

LEARNING

Our memory verse for this week is found in I Thessalonians 5:18.

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

PRAYER

Help me to face today with an attitude that praises Your name. When I face the evils of life or events that just do not go my way, help me not to grumble. May my positive spirit shine out loud and clear to those that do not know You as Savior.