Complaining

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blam-eless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”—Philippians 2:14–15 ESV

It can be easy to find reasons to complain. Conditions may fall short of our expectations. We may wish things were different. We may assume the worst and draw our own subjective conclusions. We may complain about the weather, our jobs, politics, or various products.

We think about how the Israelites reacted to situations they faced leaving Egypt. It was hard for them simply to have faith. Instead of believing God’s promises, they grumbled about everything. They complained about Moses’ leadership (Exodus 16:2) and even about God Himself (Numbers 14:27).

The Israelites must have felt these reactions were justified. But God was not pleased. He desired that they learn to trust Him in every situation. He always keeps His promises—though not always in the way we expect. His timing always is perfect even if He may not act according to our timetable.

Our reactions to situations demonstrate whether we really believe in God, have confidence in His Word, and have faith in Him. This is the strength of our testimony. The Bible says simply, “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you” (TLB).

How are you reacting to situations you face? Be on guard against grumbling and complaining. If you have concerns, pray about them. Confess God’s promises. Be thankful. Declare your faith in Him. Trust Him.

Reflection Question: How do you typically respond in difficult situations?