Complaining

Do all things without complaining and disputing... Philippians 2:14

Complain: to express grief, pain, or discontent. 1

When we complain are we not expressing discontentment with a situation in our life? In a functional sense, are we not denying the truths in Philippians 4:19: "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" and 2 Peter 1:3-4 "as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust? Isn't complaining an expression of unbelief?

Isn't complaining a statement of doubting the sovereignty and sufficiency of God? If complaining is evidence of a discontented, unbelieving heart, how do we pursue godliness with contentment because it is great gain? (1 Timothy 6:6)

Three quick thoughts:

1. Meditate on Christ: Psalm 36:8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.

2. Practice gratitude: Psalm 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

3. You can CHOOSE to not be a complainer.Will you choose today to take God at His word? Believe in His sovereignty. Believe in His sufficiency. Today, at every opportunity, put off grumbling and complaining and put on gratitude and graciousness. Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK