The Danger of Complaining

There was a fantastic devotional (Days of Praise by the Creation Institute) that I read about the Dangers of Complaining.

The verse Psalm 106:15 States "And he gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul." This is talking about the Children of Israel, while they wandered the desert. They complained (and in Numbers it mentions that their complaints 'kindled God's anger') What a scary verse! They whined and God reduced their spiritual blessings.

In the New Testament, we are commanded to 'Do all things without murmurings or disputing' (Phil 2:14) and there are several verses that speak about contentment (Heb. 13:5).

The Danger I see in complaining is the sense of pride it reveals. Complaining essentially says that the situation we find ourselves in is undeserved and unfair. Unfortunately I think we sometimes forget that not only are we excessively wicked sinners deserving of far worse than anything this world could ever dish out, but that God is in control. He will take care of us and provide for our needs (although, sadly, our wants are not promised).

I can't claim to be free of the desire to complain, and I certainly tell God often enough when I want something to change about my life and circumstances. I don't think it's a bad thing to ask for things. It's not the asking that's the problem. As any parent can attest, there is a difference between a child asking for something and a child whining about not getting it. It's the attitude (reflected in the tone of voice) that's displaying the deeper heart-problem.

As a Bible Study lesson, after looking up the above verses, I will request that everyone think of some things they've recently asked God about and evaluate whether there was any complaining involved. Are there any circumstances in life that they feel resentful over? Some time in prayer spent doing the opposite (giving thanks) seems to be the perfect remedy for complaints. We'll end the Bible Study with the intention of keeping gratitude in the forefront rather than our dissatisfaction.