Category: Complaining

In Philippians 2:14, the apostle Paul wrote, “Do all things without complaining and disputing”, in order to become “children of God without fault” (15).  So, this admonition is appropriate and needed for all of us.

The word “complaining” comes from the Greek (gongusmos). It (in both its noun and verb form) is found only 5 times in the New Testament.  The NKJV translates the term complaining, murmuring, complaint, complaining, and in 1 Peter 4:9, grumbling.  The entire text of 1 Peter 4:9 reads, “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”

The passages reveal clearly that a man’s heart is just as important as rote obedience. This is a truth that is found throughout scripture. For example, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:5-6).

Grumbling is an affront to God.  When we consider the great sacrifice He made in sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins, the debt we owe to Him is one we should accept willingly, not grudgingly.

God expects His children to not only do His bidding without question, but with eagerness and delight! Think about it!

Our discussion on Complaining does not question whether it is sinful, but whether any particular expression is an example of complaining. It takes discernment to know!

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In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he dealt with an apparent conflict between two Christian women, Euodia and Syntyche. He specifically implored them in 4:2, to “be of the same mind in the Lord.” The concept of unity was dealt with generally in the second chapter, where admonitions such as “being likeminded”, “having the same love”, “being of one accord”, “of one mind”, “esteem others better than himself”, “look out…for the interests of others.” (2:2-4).

Such an attitude is seen in kindness, expressions of love and longsuffering, and endless demonstrations of patience. Such a humble and temperate demeanor is disarming, and those who have it are difficult to dislike. This is at its heart an expression of humility. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (2:3).

Continue reading “COVID-19 (13) Do All Things Without Complaining” →

The Facebook website is ubiquitous. It was recently reported that 750,000,000 people worldwide are active participants on the website. The number is mind boggling.

Late Tuesday evening a change was made to the format and functionality of the site. While there are some obvious improvements, change is always a bit disconcerting, and many have bitterly complained about the alterations. A few have maintained a good humor about it, though, and I came across this particular quote about the revisions:

I am appalled that the free service that I am in no way obligated to use keeps making changes that mildly inconvenience me.

Continue reading “In the News: Criticism, Facebook and the Children of Israel” →

People often enjoying asking the question, “What If?” There are such questions we might ask regarding the spiritual life of God’s children. “What if God gave like you give?” What if God forgave like you forgive?” “What if every Christian studied like you study?” “What if every Christian grumbled and complained like you do?” “What if all Christians prayed like you pray?” This lesson considers those questions.

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Man is capable of sinning against God directly through his unwise use of his tongue. Complaining and grumbling, Profane and Vain language, and taking the Lord’s name in vain are all ways we can sin with the tongue.

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AOTS Number 78

In defense of the faithful preacher of God’s word… He is simply the messenger. It is God’s message, not his, and he must preach it without compromise or apology.

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AOTS Number 75

An essay by Maurice C. Hall which parallels the presumptuosness of the hitch-hiker with the attitude that some have toward service in the Lord’s church.

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An individual’s attitude has a direct bearing on his words and actions. In this lesson, three negative and three positive attitudes are examined that impact our lives.

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