In Pastor Sheryl's message yesterday, she talked about how grumbling and complaining actually hardens our hearts...to both God and others. We're all guilty of grumbling and complaining, some of us more than others. And I'm sure we all know of well-meaning believers who have let themselves go so far down that path that no one can stand to be around them anymore. It's sad... even tragic. But we can avoid that long, destructive road by making some intentional choices.
First is contentment. Boy, is that a hard one! But contentment so crucial to living a life free of grumbling and complaining. When we learn to be content in life and not always striving after what others have, we will grumble and complain less. How? We'll be...well...content rather than always unsatisfied, always looking for something more and different. Do you know any content people? If you do, I'm guessing that you'll also say that you don't hear them grumble and complain very often. My grandmother was that way. She hardly ever grumbled or complained. She was probably the most content person I have ever known. But contentment doesn't come easy. You have to work at it...and HARD! It starts with a simple choice that what you have right now is enough, regardless of what culture and people around you say you need. You know what one of my biggest weaknesses is? Cars. I love cars. I'm fascinated with them! I want a different one every 6 months!!! But I need to be content. I have a good car. It gets me where I want to go and it does it well. It's nothing flashy, but it's cheap to insure and it's reliable. In fact, I told Jennifer just today that I am going to make a little card to put on my dash that says: "I'm a good car. I get you where you want to go and I do it well." Hopefully that will help me with my seemingly insatiable craving for a different vehicle.
Second is a servant heart. I know very few people who serve like Jesus, yet have a grumbling, complaining spirit. The two just don't seem to go together at all. If you struggle with grumbling and complaining, never seeming to be easily satisfied, then find a way to give yourself away and commit to it with your life. For one, you'll simply be more like Jesus. For two, your whole outlook in life will improve and those around you will enjoy your company a lot better, too. There are times when I can get self-focused, making life about me. You know what's ironic? The times I get that way are often when I am serving others the least at that time. An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but a serve a day keeps the Devil away. Train yourself to know when you are getting self-focused. Better yet, ask those in your Connection Group to point it out to you! Regardless, serve yourself into not grumbling and complaining.
Contenment and service. Two great ways to get out of the grumbling and complaining rut! You'll bless your life...not to mention those around you!
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