Without Murmurings

We don’t usually think of complaining as a sin. It feels like letting off steam. But Israel’s complaining in the wilderness got a serious response: “And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD.”

Why does it matter so much? Because complaining says something about God. It says what he has given isn’t good enough, and what he allows isn’t fair. The Israelites had seen the Red Sea part and were eating bread from heaven, and they still complained.

It helps to trace a complaint back to its root. Often it is entitlement: I deserve better than this. Or it is busyness: we never slow down long enough to see what we already have.

Paul gives a short command and a big one: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings.” And the other side of it: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” For one day, try catching every complaint before it leaves your mouth, and replace it with a thank you.