Grumbling or Gratitude

Chuckle: After a service, a woman shook the pastor's hand and said, "I don't think I'll come back. Every time I come, you sing either 'He Arose' or 'Silent Night.'"

Quote: "Grumbling and gratitude are, for the child of God, in conflict." --Billy Graham

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:12-13 NIV).

In his book, "Storm Warning," Billy Graham makes this statement: "Be grateful and you won't grumble -- grumble and you won't be grateful." These words caused me to think about their implications for Christian living. I have found that often many of us Christians allow our appreciation for what God has done for us to diminish and, instead, we concentrate on what we don't have and what He hasn't done for us. This attitude is not new to God's people.

You will remember how God rescued the Israelite slaves from bondage in Egypt and began to lead them toward the Promised Land. Initially, they were excited about their relationship to God and deeply grateful for His goodness and favor He had shown them. However, as they trekked across the desert, it wasn't long until they forgot what God had done for them and began to grumble and complain. Their hearts were no longer filled with gratitude because they no longer had a passion for God. They were no longer grateful. How quickly we can forget God's goodness.

Perhaps you have allowed difficulties in your life to cause you to forget what God has done for you. Perhaps you have forgotten His great love shown when you received His salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Maybe His indwelling Holy Spirit has become a ho-hum reality which you take for granted. You may be grumbling because you have less of this worlds possessions than someone else or you're experiencing a rough patch in life. Instead of feeling close to God and grateful for His love, grace, and mercies, you may feel like grumbling.

Like the apostle Paul expressed in our text, God wants us to be content with our station in life. But more than that, He wants us to walk so close to Him that we will understand what He is trying to teach us by not giving us everything we want when we want it. He wants us to have a passion for Him that results in our knowing, trusting, and obeying Him. However, if our passion for Him is allowed to cool, we will begin grumbling about everything. Like Paul, you should know God wants to give you the strength to do everything He wants you to do. Let's praise Him with gratitude and avoid grumbling.

Love, Jerry & Dotse