A Remedy for Complaining

“When the people complained, it displease the Lord” (Num 11:1).

            It always does!  Complaining is discontentment with what God has given-or allowed.

            Paul never complained, though he certainly must have been tempted to do so.  Instead, he testified that “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, there with to be content.”

            Jesus never complained!  Pressures from Satan were many.  He was often tired, and He was constantly misunderstood.  In Gethsemane he asked for the cup to pass from Him, but He never complained at his Father’s will.

            Moses complained once:  “Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?” (Num 20:10).  God charged Moses with failing to sanctify (honor) Him before Israel, and prohibited Moses from entering the land of Promise!

            Complaining is costly.  “The anger of the Lord was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them.”  It was not a fire of purity but of judgment.

            God’s word is clear:  “Do all things without murmurings and disputing” (Phil 2:14).  He who complains draws God’s judgments upon his soul and body.  (See I Cor 11:30-32)

            The remedy? “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 5:20).

--George E. Failing