1 Peter 4:7-9 – The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. (NIV)

My dog, Sophie, has always been a grumbler. She was born that way. She grumbles with low rumbling sounds if she feels that the other dogs are infringing on her territory or are having a good time playing in the yard while she is lying on the porch. Sometimes, she just walks around grumbling to herself. In light of this, the other dogs avoid her space and often tiptoe around her quietly. Her grumbling repels the others rather than drawing them to her.

Some people seem to be born grumblers, too. It just seems to be part of their nature. Others are not so much. They may have moments of grumbling, but for the most part, their natures are of a sunnier variety. Whatever the case, grumbling is something which we need to allow the Holy Spirit to address within our lives, especially during these trying times in our world.

Grumbling is self-centred. Grumbling takes our eyes off Jesus. Our own emotions and feelings are at the forefront of our thoughts, clouding our minds and impairing our self-control. This, in turn, affects our ability to pray as the Spirit leads.

We do not need, though, to be grumblers. Experience has taught me that, for the asking, the Holy Spirit is able not only to help me to recognize when I am in a grumbling mood, but also to transform my attitude from grumbling to glorifying God.

The Holy Spirit is to be our teacher and guide, reminding us of the truths that we have learned and are learning about Jesus, Who never grumbled. Jesus was always clear-minded and self-controlled. He freely offered Himself and the hospitality of His loving presence to everyone who needed Him, just as He offered Himself totally to God, His Father, on a daily basis.

Therefore, let us strive to do likewise. Each and every day, let us remember to offer who we are, faults and all, including our tendency to grumble, back to our heavenly Father and the guidance of His Holy Spirit. By so doing, any grumbling will soon be turned into glorifying the King in our hearts, souls, and minds, so that we might draw others to Jesus, rather than have them avoid us and tiptoe around us, causing us to lose our chance to shine for Him.

Prayer: Father God, help us to be diligent in offering ourselves up daily to You and to the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, so that we may be known as a glorifying people rather as a grumbling one. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.