Dale Ridge church of Christ

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings.” (Phil. 2:14)

Nothing is easier than grumbling, murmuring; no talent, no self-denial, no brains are required to set us up in the grumbling business.

Some grumbling is helpful and healthy; it may lead to correction, improvement and change. It may be simply a direct way of “letting off steam,” of reducing tension and frustration. But going into the grumbling business is offensive and futile.

Now, given the condition of the U. S. economy and the culprits behind the meltdown-the financial institutions, corporate America, and the government, many people have become angry, frustrated, and just plain disgusted. While the loss of faith in the government and corporate America is certainly justifiable, and will cause some murmuring and grumbling, we must not allow the situation to plunge us into what Shakespeare called “the winter of our discontent.” Disagree, complain, express your feelings, especially to those who hopefully might help affect a change, but that doesn’t mean it has to set you up in a permanent grumbling business that will color your whole life, attitude, and outlook. Hopefully, “this too shall pass.”

Benjamin Franklin once said, “The sentence which has most influenced my life is, ‘Some persons grumble because God placed thorns among roses. Why not thank God because He placed roses among thorns.’” God has been so good to us, but as one writer once put it, “Complaint is the largest tribute heaven receives.” Don’t grumble because you don’t have what you want; be thankful you don’t get what you deserve. You are a “child of God,” and “God works in you.”

Are you in the grumbling business? Go over the events of yesterday, last week. What did you have to say that was hopeful, pleasant, fresh, and original? What advice did you give? Was it negative, depressing, pessimistic? If so, you may be in the grumbling business. Check your sense of humor. What makes you laugh? Check your sense of sympathy. What makes you cry? Do you have real compassion for others?

Everybody grumbles now and then; but if you are in the full-time grumbling business, take inventory and find out why. Chances are you don’t really belong there. Close up shop and find another way!

Charles Cash

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Filed under: Charles Cash on August 4th, 2009