James 5:9

The Bible introduces us to lots of grumbling people. Most famously, the people of Israel, who whinged after
God had miraculously led them out of slavery in Egypt. They had been there for 400 years and, at last, were set free by the mighty hand of God. The yoke of oppression had been broken and they were now able to enjoy the sweet taste of freedom. But almost immediately their response was to grumble because things weren’t working out in the way that they had hoped.

Nothing much has changed. Grumbling continues to consume huge amounts of time and energy in every part of society. You would hope that churches would be a glorious exception to this rule but, sadly, that isn’t true. James is concerned about this and is severe in his words. Grumbling shouldn’t be taken lightly. It seriously damages the spiritual health of a church and God will judge it. You have been warned!

How should we respond to all of this? Billy Graham once observed, “Grumbling and gratitude are, for the child of God, in conflict. Be grateful and you won’t grumble. Grumble and you won’t be grateful.” I find this helpful. We have a choice to make, and God’s desire is that we should live our lives with gratitude. Gratitude to God for all that he has done for us and an attitude of gratitude towards the people around us. They aren’t perfect, but they are in different ways a blessing to us. Grumbling will only spoil our enjoyment of life and the quality of our relationships with other people. And, far more seriously, if we allow grumbling to take a foothold in our lives then it will ruin our relationship with God. Gratitude is God’s way for us.

Question

What you going to do when you are next tempted to grumble?

Prayer

Lord God, forgive me for grumbling, and by your Spirit nurture in me an attitude of gratitude. Amen