Dear SCC & Friends,
The people complained… ~Numbers 11:1
Reflection #310
Complaining verbalizes dissatisfaction or annoyance about something or someone. It can be habitual and become a character trait. A habit of complaining develops a habit of being unhappy. ~Anon.~Many people live in what’s called a “gated community”. Once you know the gate code, you can go in and out as you please… But you must know the code… Spiritually speaking, we have a code… Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. ~Ps. 100:4 When we celebrate communion (Eucharist), it is to break bread and give thanks in remembrance of Him. The Greek word Eucharista means giving thanks which is the opposite disposition of complaining, criticizing or demeaning. A complaining spirit tears down rather than builds up – hurts rather than helps – accuses rather than restores. Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be thankful that the thornbush has roses. ~C.H. Spurgeon~
Complaining is like breathing and comes so naturally… Saint or sinner, young or old, male or female, we all complain… the Pharisees complained, the Prophets complained, Israel complained… Even the Apostles complained, as did the early church right up to this present day. Complaining undermines our trust in God and has been a sinful response from the very beginning. Adam blamed Eve and complained to God,“The woman you gave me caused me to sin.” If you never complain, then this reflection has no relevance. If you do occasionally catch yourself complaining, please accept this challenge… Starting tomorrow, do your very best to go the next 24 hours without complaining about anybody or anything. This would include but not be limited to politicians, news media, neighbors, church, friends, spouses, family members, school, sports, weather and anything that robs you of a grateful heart. Indeed, Scripture convicts us… Why should any living mortal, or any man, offer complaint in view of his sins? Let us examine and probe our ways…. ~Lam. 3:39We can do this… Keep up the good work!
Made for these days,
Kevin