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May 19, 2022 18:30pm

Quit Complaining

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We’ve probably all been there… a workplace where complaints and gossip run underneath the surface. When an employee is dissatisfied, they begin bringing others into their misery and begin stirring the pot. The complaints grow more and more and soon it’s like a festering sore, oozing with dissatisfaction and discontent. And pretty soon, that trouble that’s been brewing will be so intolerable, something will have to be done to stop it. Maybe someone gets reprimanded, or reassigned or fired. No matter what, it always comes from the boss. This leader is in place to not only guide the team to success, but to manage the inner workings of the team and provide discipline when needed.

In this morning’s reading, discipline was needed.

“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched. And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them.” (Numbers 11:1-3)

Our first reaction is to say, “Wow! That’s harsh!” But remember, these are the very people God has brought out of Egypt. He has performed amazing miracles in their lives and has given them all they needed and has promised to give them more. And yet still, they complain.

Their complaint wasn’t just “I’m unhappy here” or “I wish things were a little better”. No, their complaints were far more vicious than that. God is a fair and righteous judge. His punishment is always fitting of the crime. We are not told exactly what they said as they complained, but there is a deeper meaning to their protests.

1. Their complaint showed a lack of faith.
God promised them a land of their very own. He brought them out of bondage and was preparing their way. All they had to do was have faith. And yet, they murmured. Amongst themselves, the derogatory complaints grew and grew.

2. Their complaint showed a lack of trust.
When God makes a promise, He keeps it. He had not failed the Israelites yet, but instead of trusting Him, they began to whine and criticize to one another. It was like a snowball rolling down a hill picking up more and more until it was gigantic and destroyed anything in its path.

3. Their complaint showed a lack of respect.
Why not go to God from the beginning? Why grumble to one another? He is the authority. He is the leader. He is the Alpha and Omega, the very creator of the Earth… and yet, they still complained behind His back.

It must be heart wrenching to be God and see, hear and know everything. Everything that His people, His children, the ones who say “I love you Lord”, every word that comes out of their mouth, every thought we think, every place we go that we think is hidden. He knows. And yet, He still had His Son to die on the cross for us. He loves us even though we were dreadful sinners. Jesus died for those that loved Him, but He also died for those that mocked Him and ridiculed Him.

Let us remember this when we decide to start complaining to one another. Instead, let us take our hurts, issues, and protests to the Lord. If you truly love, respect, trust and have faith in Him, doesn’t He deserve that honor?