No Cause for Complaint

It is far too easy to complain. Reasons to gripe seem to appear everywhere: the pain we feel, the trouble we have to tangle with, the attitudes others give us, the injustices poured upon us... the list for reasons to complain is never empty.

Yet, it is not Christlike for us to complain. Jesus never complained. Even though he was constantly stalked by throngs of people, even though he had no real place to call home, despite being constantly challenged by the Jewish leaders... He never said a word.

Paul chose not to complain. In fact, he counted it a joy to suffer for the cause of Christ! Even when he was beaten, imprisoned, mocked and ridiculed, Paul counted everything a blessing. (Philippians 4)

We have been redeemed by Christ's sacrifice. We no longer are bound to sin, hell, or the grave. We have been counted righteous before God. We have the privilege of direct access to the throne room of God. The Holy Spirit is always with us, ready and waiting to guide and direct us as we go through life. Whatever obstacles or challenges we face, we were already declared victorious over it all.

We have not one reason to justifiably complain about anything.

Today, let's challenge ourselves to rejoice in the Lord always. Let's look to send up words of thanksgiving in place of complaints during today. We are blessed beyond measure! There's no need to complain.

Verse of the Day: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4

Nice to be Needed?

Can you guys at least
get in a single file line?

Lately, I've been feeling a bit needed lately. It seems like no matter where I go: home, work, church - even with friends - I'm being asked to do something. Everyone needs me. You do this so well... Yours always is right... I wouldn't even know where to begin... You're so creative...

I mean, it's nice to know that people recognize your strengths, but I haven't had the chance to relax and just be! I can't sit and chill without fulfilling some request first it seems.

As a result, I haven't been my usual self. And I find complaints slipping out of my mouth on a more regular basis. Plus, a lot of what I'm being asked to do is not being done with the right attitude. I realize I need to take a step back and look at the example of Jesus.

Jesus was the man. No matter where he went, crowds showed up. They were ever-present with their questions to be answered, their sick that needed to be healed, their demons that needed to be cast out, their spirits that needed to be enriched. And even when Jesus was able to get away from the crowds, he had to deal with the questions from his disciples.

Yet Jesus knew what was necessary to retain His sanity. He would take time away to Himself to pray with the Father. (Matthew 14:22, John 6:15) He also served from a position of love. Even when he was tired, he was moved with compassion by all who came to Him for help. (Matthew 9:36, Mark 6:34)

If I stay in right relationship with the Father, I can be constantly reminded that my life is not my own. I am not here to serve my own wants, but I am here to serve on God's behalf. If I remind myself of the love that He has for me, I can show that same love to all the people that look to me for help whether it's a small or large request.

It may take me a minute to fully grasp this truth, but I will definitely try. I don't want to turn into a mean old lady. Plus, I want to live a life of love. Jesus is my example, and if He was able to deal with all the demands on His life and still be filled with compassion, I can at least make the effort to do so as well.

Pray my strength...

Verse of the Day: And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 14:14

Zip the Lips!

Currently I am on a quest to diminish and eventually eradicate my complaining. It's gotten to the point where I notice when I'm in the middle of the complaint, and I get ticked at myself for what I'm saying. It's just so unnecessary. Half the time nobody's around to hear me groan anyway.

Things are bound to happen that we don't appreciate, and people are going to act in ways that make us cringe. There is a time and place to acknowledge those moments. However, every little thing that rubs us the wrong way does not need an accompanying comment of derision.

As Christians, we are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13) We are supposed to be living our lives in a way that "seasons" the world with God's love. Walking around spreading our sour grapes is counter-intuitive to our mission. We should be speaking life. We should be recognizing the good in others. We should be praising and uplifting those around us.

Also, we have been blessed with the privilege to live our lives in direct fellowship with the Creator of this universe! We live with the benefit of being His children and with the knowledge that we will spend eternity in heavenly splendor! Every moment we breathe should embody our remembrance and gratitude for these things.

So, that one person messed up. - A-gain. Yeah, it's extremely hot out, and you hate the heat. Your boss is getting on your nerves with the same old foolishness. Yes, you have to repeat the same thing to the same people over and over and over again!

Trust me - out of anybody - I GET IT! But, we also need to get an understanding of Whose we are and what we have been blessed with.

We're King's kids! Blessed by the Best and headed for eternal glory. Those other things are minuscule in comparison! Let's zip our lips and keep it moving.

Verse of the Day: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29