Sin Sisters
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.” Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV)
Who are the sin sisters? Well, of course they are Criticism and Complaining. We often see them walking arm in arm down the street or even the aisle at church. (Oops, did I say that?) They seem to fit together so nicely that you can hardly tell them apart. That is, of course, unless you are on the receiving end of their words and actions.
Criticism can always find something wrong with anything. The sermon was too long. They didn’t play upbeat music. There were noisy children there today. That is where Complaining picks up and starts voicing the woes of the world. Complaining doesn’t stop or miss a beat outside of church either. Can’t you just hear it now? “The world is going to hell in a handbasket. We are in a mess!” Criticism chimes in with negative words: “We need an honest politician to step in and take over. Oh, I forgot…there aren’t any.”
And so it goes in the land of Criticism and Complaining—nothing positive gets done. Those two have to go! We need to replace them with characters such as Kindness, Encouragement and Hope but you see, those are not even in the same family. This is one time that we get to select our lineage.
With which family do you belong? There are moments when Criticism and Complaining invade our space but don’t let them stay very long. They cause unease, confusion and chaos and we don’t need them in our life. You are probably wondering how to kick them to the curb. Right?
The Word of God clearly uses His affirmations of love, care and compassion far more than the hurtful ramblings of the sin sisters. He admonishes great warnings about hanging out with them. Anyway, who would want to listen to their jabber all day long? That’s depressing!
We serve a risen Savior and He’s in the world today!
Gracious Father, I confess that I do complain and criticize others. Please help me shut my mouth or stop my thoughts because I don’t really want to hurt others or offend You. Let me show Your Love to everyone. AMEN.