Stop Complaining!
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:14-15
ME: When Your Word is right there in our face, why do we still ignore it?
JESUS: You are right to the point today, aren’t you?
ME: We have so much to be thankful for and yet I can find the silliest, most meaningless things to grumble about. I’d really would like to break that habit. Can You help me?
JESUS: Since you asked, let me share a few thoughts on this issue. I am truly pleased with your desire to get closer to Me. There is one thing, however, that displeases Me - that is your tendency to complain.
ME: Well, I don’t do it nearly as much as I used to do.
JESUS: Yes, and I am very grateful. My followers have not yet learned that they may talk to Me as much as they like about the difficulty of the path they’re traveling. I understand better than anyone else the stresses and strains that have afflicted them. They can vent safely to Me because talking with Me tempers thoughts and helps people see thing from My perspective.
ME: I have never thought about bringing my complaints to You. Don’t You get irritated or frustrated with us? Have You ever said, “Oh, no! Here she comes again?”
JESUS: Absolutely not! You see, I want you to come to me because complaining to others is another matter altogether. It opens the door to deadly sins such as self-pity and rage.
ME: Yes, I can follow that line of thinking. There are times when my feeling sorry for myself turns to anger and then I add things to the story to fuel the fire.
JESUS: You seem to understand this in your head. Now let’s see what your heart has learned.
ME: Instead of grumbling, you want me to come to You and talk things out.
JESUS: And as you open up to Me, I will put My thoughts in your mind and My song in your soul.
ME: That sounds pretty good. Wait…are You tired of my songs?
JESUS: Hardly!
Mo Johnston with Sarah Young