| April 19, 2002 |
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| "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." Philippians 2:13-15 There is so much constant complaining which goes on all around us today. We hear it everywhere ~ within our family household, among our co-workers, from our friends, and also in our churches. Complaining has become a popular past-time for many folks ~ even God's children. Paul admonishes us to do everything without complaining. God knows that constant complaining is not good for us and usually ends up in unhappiness. Remember the children of Israel as they got caught up in constant grumbling ~ the results were tragic. God kept blessing ~ they kept complaining because it was never enough to satisfy them. God's people today are following His people of the Old Testament day. We are always looking for more. And seem to never be happy with what we are already blessed with. What should we do when something irritates us? Paul also wrote: "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29). Instead of griping and complaining we are to go to people and speak directly to them with firmness, yet gracefully, trusting that the Lord will help us to bring contentment to others. Through the Spirit's power we can replace the word of complaint with a word of grace. May God bless you as you demonstrate with your lips as well as your lifestyle, that you depend on the power of Jesus Christ, your Savior to work through you. Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |