Going to Grumble

 

The current state of affairs in our nation has caused many to be grumbling and complaining as though it is all about politics. It’s the left’s fault if you lean right and it’s the right’s fault if you lean left.

Does anyone consider the providence or sovereignty of God as they think about grumbling?

In the book of Exodus the Israelites were complaining to Moses and Aaron because they did not have enough food to eat. They wanted more and they wanted it now. They complained about why they were led out of Egypt if they were just going to die in the wilderness.

God promised to provide food to eat and Moses addressed the people in Exodus 16:8, ‘And Moses said, “When the LORD gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the LORD has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him–what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD.”’

Each one of us chooses what or whom to grumble about.  We blame other people for putting us in uncomfortable situations and we grumble against them. Sometimes we grumble about the lack of money or other resources that we think would make our lives better – if not perfect.  We grumble about leaders, we grumble about our peers, and we grumble about the people grumbling about us  – anything but ourselves!

When we grumble like this are we being any different than the Israelites? Their stated complaints were against Moses and Aaron but Moses said that ultimately their complaints were against God.  He is Sovereign over every set of circumstances in our lives.  If we’re in it He has not prevented it and, therefore, has put us there.  So, if we’re grumbling, we’re grumbling about God, a sobering thought.

The decision we each have to make is how to stay in the situation for as long as the Lord wants us there – to grow our faith and understanding of HIM – and not grumble about others or the circumstances.  If we rely on the Holy Spirit we can be steadfast in troubles and honor God with our lips. This should be especially true in the church. James tells us in James 5:9, “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”

A wise woman once advised me that if someone was complaining about me (and I learn of it) to go to the Lord first praying for how to approach the complainer. She said to ask Him to show me if what she had to say was true. If what she said was true, she advised I go back and tell her so and thank her for pointing out the problem (sin).  If the Lord showed me I was not in the wrong, she advised that I should let it go.

It isn’t often that the person will go to the one she is complaining about but for her to do so is Biblical.  It follows the Matthew 18 model of how to deal with a complaint against a sister or brother in the Lord. It keeps us from grumbling about others to those who can do nothing to correct the problem, often called gossip.

For the “offender” (or alleged offender) it brings the problem to a quick halt if they are willing to ask God to show them truth.  If they ignore the issue and go on doing something offensive, then the problem can be further addressed by following Matthew 18:16-17. 

If our grumbling is about things we can’t confront in a person then we are clearly grumbling about our sovereign God.  The only way to fix that is to repent and call on the Lord for help. Especially if politics or politicians are the ones being complained about.

Whenever we complain, our ultimate complaint is against God. In His grace and mercy He has instructed us not to complain so we will be lights to a really dark world.

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.  Philippians 2:14-15