Enough already, what's the beef?

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us – King James Bible

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There is absolutely no sin more injurious to the soul and detrimental to effect Christian testimony than the sin of complaining. Often we think of sins like complaining as a little sin, not a major one that will send us to Hell or anything like that. Problem is a little sin is like having a little cancer. Before long it eats away at us and sickens our very soul. Yet, complaining has become a habit with many Christians; and it must be said there is never a lack of opportunity to complain.

Christians are known to complain about the oddest of things; as if that changes anything. Complain about the weather all you want and the truth is weather pretty much has a mind of its own. The sun shines on the just as well as the unjust. So, why complain? Yet some do.

Often the most trivial of eccentricity in others is a real source of complain. Common comments that we hear are: “Why doesn’t she do something with that mop of hair of hers? It is an absolute catastrophe?” Or, “I just can’t stand that sleazy smile of his. Bet there’s a whole lot more going on in that mind of his than you can imagine.” And, on and on it goes.

All of these complains are done in the pure light of Scripture which reminds us to—

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation (Philippians 2:14-15).

So, instead of complaining we must take advantage the God-given opportunity for growth and praise. Paul certainly had reason to complain, amongst all his hardships he was additionally given a “thorn in the flesh” to keep him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7). Although no one is really sure what that “thorn” was, however, once Paul committed it to the Lord that was the last you heard of it. What at first appears hurtful may in the long run be the very thing that nudges us on to a closer walk with God.

So, we understand that annoyances may take many forms. It may be a physical illness; or a nasty neighbor; or perhaps the dog next door, whatever—nonetheless, in each instance it is best to view them as an opportunity to commit them to the Lord like Paul did and rest in the comfort of knowing that God  hears and cares. He sees us as victors not victims. Victims complain. Victors rejoice.

So, in the words of Scripture—

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

The facts are, nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, and he is, therefore, at work in us to bring about victory (Romans 8:28-29).

In light of these things someone once remarked, “Life is all about attitudes. So, pick a good one!” And, that’s pretty good advice in my opinion.

Be blessed—