Paul writes: ‘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’ (vv. 14-15). What was the attitude that Paul zeroed in on? Murmuring! What was the solution? He shared it with the Thessalonian believers: ‘In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you’ (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV). Instead of looking for things to gripe about, look for things to be grateful about because they’re all around you. If murmuring comes to you as easily as breathing, here are a few areas you need to pay attention to: 1) Don’t take on more than you can handle. Say yes to requests for personal favours only when you want to or feel led by God. This will stop you from becoming overworked and resentful towards the responsibilities dumped on you by others. 2) Limit your time around negative people. ‘Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits”’ (1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV). Don’t get infected! 3) Focus on other people’s needs. ‘With goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord’ (Ephesians 6:7-8 NKJV). What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. In addition to these three strategies for overcoming grumpiness, pray: ‘Father, deliver me from grumpiness. Reveal the root cause of it and give me courage to take the actions necessary to keep it out of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.’

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.