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Listen while you read: "The Lord's Prayer"1 (Lyrics) |
"It's somebody else's fault." This is one of the lies that I'm often tempted to tell myself — a psychological defence mechanism that prevents me from accepting responsibility for my actions or thoughts. I don't relish the oncoming consequences that I see swirling around in my mind, so I attempt to escape them by blaming another person or set of circumstances.
Complaining, grumbling, judging, blaming — all four are intimately related, and can occur at the same time and in the same place. If I'm complaining, I'm grumbling. If I'm grumbling, I'm normally judging someone or a situation — and if I'm judging, I'm putting the blame on something or someone else. I do a good job at this. How much easier to complain about only three of twenty registers being open than to enjoy the company of others while waiting in line. How much more comfortable to grumble about how much I don't earn than to thank my employer for the job. How much easier to judge the young lady who comes to church with liquor on her breath than to love her as Christ would. How much more convenient to blame circumstances for my inability to repay the loan that I secured than to accept the consequences of a poor decision.
Misery loves company. But these attitudes aren't honourable or beneficial.
James 5:9 – Don't grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look — the Judge is standing at the door! (NLT)
Complaining demonstrates a lack of trust in God to rule and reign in my circumstances. Closely associated is a lack of faith that He can actually turn them around and compose something good from them. Rarely do I see things as God does. Complaining demonstrates this. Trusting is the better course.
When I complain, it gives evidence of my discontent with what God is doing or allowing in my life. The challenge is to be happy and content where God places me. When I trust Him, I can be.
Rather than complaining, let us trust God with our circumstances.
Prayer: Father, when life turns in directions that we'd rather not take, give us strength to trust You rather than complain about our circumstances. Amen.
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You nailed me to the cross!
How true. Thanks always for your devotionals.
Martin – Thanks; a good message to take to heart.
Beautiful devotional Martin, Thank you — and how beautiful that “The Lord’s Prayer” accompanies it.
May your weekend be a great one.
Thank You!! I sure needed this perspective today! In fact lately in my life with the challenges ahead. As Joyce Meyer would say –I’ve had Stinking thinking. God Bless!
Well stated Martin,
More people should read your commentary before going to the grocery store.
Great message Martin. Seeing things from God’s perspective is the best remedy for complaining. Thank you for writing.
Blessings.
“It’s somebody else’s fault.” This is one of the lies that I’m often tempted to tell myself.
Even in your mind, blaming someone else is breaking the 9th commandment.
This devotional is so true . Complaining is a vicious cycle we allow ourselves to get in . Praise or trusting God for our present, past and future redirects our focus and lifts our spirits. We have no need to worry about our future when we can trust He who holds our future — good or bad. His plan is greater than any we can dream up.
Martin, a challenging message we, as Christians, needed to read. I must say I do not grumble too much, nor do I judge others, (we who live in glass houses should never throw stones), but often I must say I am guilty of not being nearly thankful enough for the many blessings and nice things the Lord has provided for me. This ungratefulness and lack of appreciation shows my discontentment with what God has provided for me and your message has challenged me making me realize I am indeed an ungrateful person who needs to travel to the foot of the cross, on bended knee, and thank my Savior for His love, His sacrifice and His goodness to me.
Once again Martin, thank you for a fine message, bless you.
Greetings Martin.
A good teacher knows just how to admonish the hearer. Jesus, and Paul knew when to encourage, correct, apply needful tenderness and needful sternness. There was only one time He “Jesus” cried out in total amazement, under a horrible circumstance. In short, “Where are you Father, why am I alone?” Because He took my sin upon Himself, just as though He had committed each one. “Only one time” was He alone, away from the One He truly loved, His Father. When He tasted the Death for me.
Thank you for each word.
(USA)
Dear Martin;
Thank you for the reminder. God bless you.