Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining

Philippians 2:14 (AB)

Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves]. 

A woman’s car stalled in traffic and she could not re-start it.  The man in the car behind her kept honking his horn.  The woman got out of her car, walked to the man’s car and said, “If you will try to start my car, I’ll stay here and honk your horn for you”.  Pastor Scott Luck alluded to a situation like this that he experiences as a leader of a church.  The one who is not doing anything to help is also the one who makes the most noise complaining that nothing is happening.

Complaining seems to be an epidemic in our society.  We complain about our government, employers, neighbors (especially if they have barking dogs), sports teams (ever listen to radio talk shows after a loss of your favorite sports team?), traffic, weather, airlines, products, services, family members, the church, everything.  Complaining might have its place if it is pointing out a true fault or flaw where the complainer can and will help do something about it.  But, most complaining has little, if any, benefit. 

Complaining is a major sign of discontentment, dissatisfaction, and unhappiness in life.  God desires His people to be content, satisfied and happy.  When we complain, it shows our unbelief in Him and in His Word.  God showed His displeasure, even anger, at people complaining (the Hebrew word is better translated as “murmuring”) while wandering in the wilderness after He has rescued them from slavery and gave them food and shelter (Numbers 11:1).  So complaining is an affront to God and must be stopped if you are to remain as His child and a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Complaining actually is evil.  Complaining can lead to destruction (I Corinthians 10:10).  Jude 1:15-16 calls complainers “ungodly”.  Complaining is hated by God not only because it shows disbelief in Him, but also leads to all kinds of sin (disputing, fighting, name-calling, lying, and other evils).  If you are a chronic complainer, read verses 8 and 11 of Philippians 4 and let God’s Word sink in.  If you claim to be a Christian, you believe in the Word of God and you desire to obey it.  How can you continue to complain after reading these two verses? 

I know that at times I tend to complain (especially when driving) and this confession is good for the soul.  Complaining is unbiblical and Christians are not to be complainers.  So the next time you have a complaint, especially against your church, do not be like the guy honking his horn and doing nothing more.  Analyze why you are complaining and stop it.  Do something positive.  Be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

“A complaining tongue reveals an ungrateful heart” -- William Arthur Ward