Complaining

in , by MyHobbyShop, 11:32 PM
**Republished for your reading pleasure :-)

Complaining
Written by: Lily Robinson
November 7, 2008

Here is a small challenge. Ready? For 24 hours don't complain – about anything! That means NO verbal or written complaints.

What is complaining? In general complaining is an expression of displeasure, pain, or dissatisfaction or resentment. Complaining is the outward expression of discontent within. We may know it by different terms -- such as griping, grumbling, whining, or belly-aching. In the King James Version of the Bible, the common term used was "murmuring."

Regardless of whatever circumstances may cause discontent or dissatisfaction, complaining is always an expression of unbelief toward God's order in our life. The whole premise of Christianity is that Jesus becomes the Lord (boss) of our life and our circumstances. We are in his hands. Thus, if believers complain, it really becomes an accusation against our Lord, in whom we've trusted our lives.*

"Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp" (Numbers 11:1).

"...for the LORD hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the LORD" (Ex. 16:8). (See also Ps. 106:24-26)

Yes it will be extremely difficult. But it will also make you realize a couple of thing. First of all it will consciously make you aware of how much you do complain on a daily basis. Secondly, it will make you go to God. You will need to look to him constantly to give you strength and guidance. It will make you change the way you think of a person or situation.

I have been working on this for a while and believe me it's difficult and I have yet to fully succeed but I am more aware of my attitude. I am normally really good while I am at work mainly because I don't talk to anyone! But when I get home I typically go on and on to my husband about this and that and blah, blah, blah. It's horrible! I am also recognizing people in my life who bring the worst out of me. We all have them friends or family who just suck the life out of you. You get caught up in their negative vibe and soon enough you are caught up. If I take time out of my everyday life to realize how blessed I am - I wouldn't let the little things get in my way.

Complaining is unbelief in God's Word which says "...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28). If as a Christian I really believed that the Lord is in control of my life, and is working "ALL THINGS together for our good," I would stop complaining and start thanking the Lord for the plan He is working together for me. * I must remain steadfast in faith. God has a plan for everything.

So, my challenge to you is that when something happens or displeases you, instead of complaining, simply notice what's happened. That's it. Don't judge it as good or bad, just notice it, and pray about it. Be grateful and thankful for the things that you do have and are good. Thanksgiving is the expression of gratefulness and faith in God, and is the very opposite of complaining. Giving of thanks expresses appreciation for what God has done what He has promised, and the confidence that He is directing our life with His order and provision. God will answer prayers and work in the behalf of the thankful (Ps. 50:14-15). *

We all have heard the Law of Attraction, what you focus on or put out is what you will receive. It's true, no matter how you look at it. We all know people who complain all the time. Nothing is ever going well for them, and probably nothing ever will - as long as they keep complaining and putting their energy on what they really don't want. Take a moment and think about someone you know that always complains or always has a negative attitude or just plain nasty. Now how often do you want to talk or be around that person? Or are you that person? That person is projecting a negative vibe and most likely people who approach that them have their guard and defenses up. Now think about someone who can always find something good to say about something or someone, someone who is just a joy to be around and truly enjoys life. How often do you want to be around that person? Do you want to be that person? So yes what you project – via verbally or physically is what you will receive in return.

Some people complain because they have a lot of problems. But maybe they have problems because they complain. Complaining doesn't change anything or make situations better. It amplifies frustration, spreads discontent and discord (which God hates - Prov 6:16-19), and can invoke an invitation for the destroyer to cause havoc with our lives. *

How important it is that believers guard the words of their mouth! The scriptures tell us that our words are literally the basis for whether we are justified or condemned. Realizing this, we should eradicate negative words, griping, or grumbling, and fill our mouth with praise and thanksgiving! *

"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matt. 12:36-37).

So are you up to the challenge? Make everyday count. Don't take for granted what God has blessed you with. Enjoy life. You can do all things through Christ!

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE! HAVE A GREAT DAY!






Resources:
Complaint Free World: http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/
The Secret: http://www.thesecret.tv/index.html

References:
Stop Complaining! It's Not Good For You: http://ezinearticles.com/?Stop-Complaining!--Its-Not-Good-For-You&id=1489007
Merriam-Webster: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complaining
* Complaining Only Makes Things Worse: http://www.victorious.org/complain.htm