Grumbling: May 7, 2013

TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY MAY 7, 2013.

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. 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 19, 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. Jude says those who grumble follow their natural instincts and are devoid of the Spirit. (Jude 19)

We need to avoid a grumbling and complaining 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 Philippians 1:6.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

PRAYER:

Help me to be willing to serve others 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 I have a humble and loving spirit that shines out loud and clear to those that do not know You as Savior.