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, in which you shine like stars in the universe, as you hold out the word of life...
This verse always makes me think of a song my roommate Kristel used to sing with the same words. Singing the words are so much easier than filling this tall order sometimes. It seems as though a lot of times the tendency toward complaining is more natural than just saying nothing. Kids don't have to be taught to complain, they come to it quite naturally. "Son, go take the trash out" *heavy sigh* "Aw, Mom, do I have to?" "I sure wish this rain would stop." "That movie was boring." See? We do it without even thinking about it.
The last two days have been a real struggle for me as I have completely bombed in this area. What I have seen and know to be true is that when I complain, it makes the problem or situation seem even worse to me. I have lent my lips to singing the praise of the problem. I have magnified, as with a magnifying glass that which I consider unpleasant. This really does have an effect on my contentment, as I have been moodier, more sensitive, and just plain negative.
So what is the antidote? What runs completely counter? How do I, "suck the poison of complaining and arguing out?" It's all in this verse...Don't complain. Don't argue. Sometimes, however, this is much easier said than done.
It has been said that Nature abhors a vacuum. (not a Hoover, but a void) So when I take something out of my life (complaining/arguing) I should seek to fill the spot that complaining and arguing filled up in my life. What is the opposite of complaining? Praising and magnifying God because He is bigger than my circumstances. In fact, He is in control of them. Should I only praise him when things are going well? Is he not always worthy of my praise? Can I not choose to focus on His goodness rather than my own discomfort? This is my task.
I will magnify the Lord at all times, His praise shall be forever on my lips. Psalm 34:1
Look at God! I was just thinking about gettind away from complaints and disputings when I awoke. Thank you for sharing this exhortation.
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It is difficult to love they neighbor, IF, out of our mouths comes complaining and arguing. Well said Jenni.
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