Listening To The Sounds Of Grumbling

"for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling 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" -  Philippians 2:13-15

"And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." - 1 Peter 4:8-10

"These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ" - Jude 16-17

These are but a few of the references in the Bible to children of God grumbling. You know about Israel on their way to the Promised Land and their attitude. Do you recall the phrase "God loves a cheerful giver"? Why do suppose that is?

Well let's imagine that God has our best in mind. He asks us to demonstrate our love for Him by our willingness to set aside earthly comforts and "treasure" in favor of showing our devotion to Him. Not just giving money - although the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. Possessions can become our "Precious"! No, we are asked to lay our lives down as living sacrifices - Romans 12:1-2. Without grumbling. Have you heard the saying "You can make me do it but you can't make me like it"? That would come from the mouth and heart of a grumbler.

Was Jesus being unreasonable when he told the young man to sell everything he had and follow Jesus? That is what God asks every Believer to do.  Abandon your devotion to the things of this world and devote your heart fully to God. Without grumbling. Without regret. Lot's wife was a grumbler.

When the preacher tells you that the local church needs your tithe - do you resent having to give up money you could spend or hoard for another purpose? 

Grumblers can be very pious.  "mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage." When they are really whitewashed tombs filled with dead men's bones.

Lest you are thinking that I am referring to someone else and their name has come to your mind. Recall Jesus' words.

"And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." - Matthew 7:2-5

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone