I laugh that a social media status can show the condition of our heart and attitude. We’re very good at complaining and grumbling as it seems to come naturally.
Grumbling defined:
- To show one’s unhappiness or critical attitude.
- To make complaining remarks or noises under one’s breath.
- To murmur or mutter in discontent; complain sullenly.
In the book of Exodus we see account after account of God’s miraculous move on behalf of His people. (parting the Red Sea, feeding them with manna, water in the desert, provision time and again) however, Moses, and God, had to put up with the children of Israel’s horrid complaining:
-They grumbled because they didn’t have enough water.
-They grumbled because they didn’t like the wilderness.
-They grumbled because they thought Moses was a bad leader.
-They grumbled because they missed Egypt.
-They grumbled because they weren’t yet in the Promised Land.
-They grumbled because they thought God had let them down.
…it was a real “Festivus” BUT we are the same way, often we complain, and we think we’ve been forsaken by God 5 minutes after seeing goodness, even miracles, from His hand.
What do you find yourself guilty of complaining about?
Reading about the Day Laborers in Matthew chapter 20;
The owner of the Vineyard went out to hire workers at -9am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm…
When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first. ’The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius.
So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner… But he answered one of them, I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Jesus is trying to show us The Way of a Disciple. Not of complaining but being thankful.
In this story we see:
- God is just. No one will be underpaid
- God is generous. Everyone will be surprised
- God sees differently than we do
We may say, “What did you do and accomplish?” But God says, “Why did you do it?”
We may say, “What’s the bottom line?” But God says, “Were you doing it for me?”
We may say, “Show me your stuff.” But God says, “Show me your heart.”
How to have a Thankful Heart–
1)Thank God for the Blessings Your Have Already Experienced.
2)Don’t Judge Yourself by the Way God Treats Someone Else.
3) Practice Contentment and Thankfulness
What are you thankful for today?
Discipleship scripture: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. – Philippians 4:11