Conviction August 13, 2009
This morning while Sky helped me unload the dishwasher, we listened to a podcast by Pastor James MacDonald on the topic of complaining. I wasn’t actually listening all that closely. Sky is into everything these days, and when I say she “helped” me with the dishes I mean that she made me work as fast as possible. If I’m too slow with the silverware, she’s reaching for the knives. And shiny plates and bowls are almost too much for her to resist.
So I was flying along, putting everything onto the counter, when Pastor James read a verse from Numbers 11. “Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused” (v. 1). The people in the story are the Israelites, who had recently left Egypt and were unhappily making their way through the desert. God was so mad at them for whining that he actually sent a fire to consume some of them. What struck me was the word “hardship”. Another translation uses the word “adversity”. The Israelites weren’t complaining about nothing. I’m not exactly sure what conditions were like in the Sinai desert during that time frame, but they probably weren’t too nice. I probably would have complained too.
In fact, I know I would have because I complain now about things that aren’t even that difficult. When Pastor James finished his message I asked myself – what is the last thing I complained about? And you know what I came up with? The weather. I’d been whining to Sky just a few hours earlier about Florida’s heat and humidity. And I’m currently sitting inside a climate-controlled house, where I spend the majority of my time.
God is offended by people who complain. But do I even notice when I’m doing it? I guess if I’m completely honest, I have to admit that I don’t put whining up high on the sin scale with things like murder and adultery. Those are the really big sins, right? But when I read that passage in Numbers it made me stop and think. Do I brush off a little complaining because God says it’s not a big deal or because it’s a normal part of life in our culture, so typical that Christians will even do it in church? The Israelites’ story makes it clear that complaining is actually deeply disturbing to God. And maybe the fact that it’s normal in America – and even in my life as a Christian – doesn’t mean anything at all.
Thanks for your words, girl! I find myself complaining about the silliest things as well. I am going to put that verse somewhere I can see it on a daily basis. I love reading your posts. It helps me feel so connected to you and your life. Wish we could see you guys more. Hope you are feeling good these days. Talk to you later.
Love you.
I also have been reminded to not complain but instead to look for what I can be thankful for, which there is an abundance of. It is good to have friends who will listen to us vent but curb our tendancy to complain by reminding us of how much we have to be thankful for without making us feel like heels. I know people who have grown old with more complaining than positive talk and they are not enjoyable to be around. I also used to be a chronic complainer especially when my health was debilatating. I remember distinctly when the Lord said that is enough and helped me to realize that the power of my negative tongue was breeding discontent and killing all joy in my heart and life. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. It brings a sense of comaraderie among we women who read it and can relate with the comfort of knowing we are not alone nor abnormal.