Complaining is a sign of selfishness and discontent. It simply reveals that what is in our hearts is focused on self. It’s time to break the habit.
Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Philippians 2:14-16
I had a friend, sort of a spiritual father/mentor, who passed away last year. He left a legacy that I am not sure anyone else I know could leave. He was a devoted man of God who had various health troubles that he never let stop him. In fact, he never complained. Ever. He took everything in stride and recognized his blessings.
Many of us left his funeral wanting to be more like him who was so much like Jesus.
Complaining is an Ugly Habit
I struggle with complaining mainly because I’ve gotten in the habit of just often saying what I’m thinking. Instead, I need to focus on taking every thought captive. Complaining has not brought me joy nor advanced my life in any way. It has not been a good example to those around me. Further, it may have caused some dread for others to want to be around me. I wouldn’t know because they are too gracious to say.
Complaining only leads to negativity and is very selfish. Why do we complain at all? It’s because we’re unhappy about how something affects us, whether directly or indirectly. All we can see is our discomfort and inconvenience without stopping to think about what the story is on the other side.
When we focus on that negativity, that’s all we will see, and the more we do it, the easier it is to find things to grumble about. There are times I don’t realize I’m complaining. That’s how bad of a habit it’s become. Quite honestly, it’s rather exhausting. It’s a terrible way to live.
There will always be something that doesn’t go our way. Every single day. In every single way. Typically, these “things” have people behind them whom God cherishes and whom we should also cherish.
Complaining Isn’t Loving to Others
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
James 5:9
We aren’t loving when we complain because love is patient and kind. Complaining is neither being patient nor kind.
And maybe sometimes there are reasons we believe are legit reasons to grumble about a situation — like our current gas prices. But what does complaining about it do to help the situation? Absolutely nothing. There is nothing we can do to change them at this point. Instead, we can set our complaining aside and try to adjust as best we can and live with it. Trust God to provide.
Isn’t having a happy and content heart all about trusting God?
I’ve already begun to change my perspective and embrace more of life as it comes to me. Rather than complain, I roll with it and make the most of it. I can’t tell you what a wonderful difference this has made in my mentality and heart.
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