The Problem with Complaining
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. (Philippians 2:14–15 NLT)
A man who decided to join a monastery and become a monk had to take a vow of silence. But at the end of each year, he was allowed to appear before the abbot and say two words. After being silent for an entire year, he finally was allowed to speak.
So he said, “Bed’s hard.”
Another year went by, and he appeared before the abbot again.
“What would you like to say?” the abbot asked him.
“Food’s cold,” the man answered.
Another year went by, and the man again appeared before the abbot. As before, the abbot asked him, “What do you want to say?”
“I quit,” he told him.
“It is no wonder!” the abbot replied. “All you have done is complain since you got here!”
The Bible tells us, “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people” (Philippians 2:14–15).
Complaining and bickering hinder us in following Jesus. There are times when we have to confront one another, and it is never pleasant. But if you enjoy confrontation, then something is wrong. Some people just want to fight. They are always upset with someone or something. The problem with people like this is they can’t keep it to themselves. They are always stirring up others. That is not the way to live as a Christian.
The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 13 that “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” We can choose to believe the best of others. Of course, we can’t see another person’s heart. But what a difference it would make if we started blessing others instead of blasting them.
Social Media: There is a problem with complaining—it not only stirs you up, but others too!
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.
Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.
SPECIAL OFFER
Experience a life beyond amazing
You can receive a copy of A Life Beyond Amazing: Nine Decisions That Will Transform Your Life. Dr. David Jeremiah takes a look at the fruits of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5, turning each one into a decision that we can make to see transformation in our lives. Live the Christian life as Christ intends it for you!
Get a copy of this excellent book in thanks for your generous donation to Harvest Ministries today.
