Complaining – Honoring Christ with Your Words

During my quiet time the other day the Lord convicted me about complaining.

The Bible speaks about complaining in Philippians 2:14:  “Do all things without complaining or arguments;” (NASB)

Complaining

Let’s guard our tongue and heart from complaining.  Some days the complaints just roll out.  Why is it we are drawn to voice complaint more than praise?  It’s a matter of training yourself to focus on God and His blessings rather than the negative things in life that compel us to voice our displeasure.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”  (Philippians 4:8 NASB)

With the Lord’s help, we can change our thinking and in turn change our words!

A couple of Sundays later, our Pastor’s sermon was about complaining.  Whew…God confirmed His word to me.  I urge you to consider your words before you speak.  Give it the following test.

• Does it lift up or tear down?
• Does it honor God?

Look At Scripture

A look in Scripture can help put complaining in perspective.  When Moses was leading the children of Israel, they began complaining.  “The people spoke against God and Moses:  Why have you led us up from Egypt to die in the wilderness?  There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!  Then the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and they bit them so that many Israelites died.”  Numbers 21:5-6

“Brothers, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged.  Look, the judge stands at the door!”  James 5:9

We can see in Scripture what God thinks about complaining!  But take heart, there is forgiveness.   If you stand guilty, confess to God and be made right with the Lord.

Honoring Christ with Your Words

Does complaining honor God?  The obvious answer of coarse is, “NO.”  There’s a time and place to voice concerns.  When such a time comes, make sure to bathe the situation in prayer.  The important take away is to give God glory with how you speak.

“Don’t stifle the Spirit” 1 Thessalonians 5:19 comes to mind (HCSB).  Does a complaining spirit welcome the Holy Spirit’s activity in your life?  Our words can help or hinder situations that could point someone to Christ.  As a Christian, you are always being watched by others…by your kids, your spouse, coworkers etc.

Live how you believe.  If there is cause for complaining, there is cause for praying!  Pray about everything.  Every situation that really tests you.  Every time you are compelled to gripe and complain, it’s time to “Have a Little talk with Jesus!”

Thanks for stopping by!  What do you think about complaining?  Leave me a comment below and share this devotion with others.