Whoa, Pastor James! You taught us that we need to wait AND be patient about it. Now, you are telling us to stay the course, wait patiently WITHOUT complaining? Pastor James, you don’t ever quit! Lord, you are serious about our maturity, aren’t you?
Do we complain? Why yes, we do. Some of us more than others. It is an easy thing to do when our comfort zones are not at maximum comfort. It seems that when we are not content we complain about each other first. It all comes back to the blame game which stems from selfishness. We’ve talked about this before as we studied Hebrews and now the Word of God from James.
We are chronic complainers. We pass this on to our kids and their kids. When does it stop? When we realize what God has done, is doing and continues to be and do for us. Still want a little cheese with that whine?
“Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner.” James 5, Msg
“Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.” James 5, Msg
It’s a gift of life…not to complain and be whiny! God cares that much for us!
“And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like ‘I swear to God’ to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what it true. That way, your language can’t be used against you.” James 5, Msg
“Just say what is true…so it can’t be used against you.” I also believe that less said, the less spread. (My own phrase from life lessons.) I have learned it is good to be silent until firey situations calm down to embers. Then truth can be seen and dealt with in more intelligent ways. Don’t complain. Be wise. Wait. And Listen for God’s promptings to proceed with caution. But don’t complain about others until then.
Dear Heavenly Father, Complaining is a well practiced sport for us in this part of the world. We are too good at it. Help us to stop and give thanks for what You have done, before a complaint comes from our lips. Thank you for this lesson that needs more practice.
Fill us with your Holy’s Spirit’s power to combat and declare victory over complaining…from small things to people to incredible difficult situations and circumstances that are out of our control. We give you praise and glory this morning! I do not want to grieve You with my complaining…so help me stop. I am ready for your gift of life from staying the course, waiting and not complaining.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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