Complaining is toxic. It contaminates both the complainer and everyone within earshot. Sometimes we think we're helping by complaining. We maintain, 'If somebody doesn't say something, nothing's ever going to change!' - as though positive change can come from negative words.
We imagine we've contributed something worthwhile by our complaint. But, complaining is what we do to avoid facing, dealing with and solving the problem. It's what we do instead of contributing to constructive change, and it makes us part of the problem instead of the solution. The more you complain the more problem-focused you become, and the more problem-focused you become the more you complain.
Ultimately, your complaining affects you more than anyone else. The Psalmist said, "...I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed." (Psalm 77:3).
If no one else pays attention to your words, you do. Before you say them, you think them: "...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). And when you say them, you hear them and believe them just as you would the words of a trusted authority.
Every time you repeat them you reinforce their power over you until eventually, you make yourself the victim of your own complaints!
Your spirit (attitude) will be overwhelmed, not by the problems and difficulties people bring to you, but as the self-inflicted product of your complaints.
So, "Do all things without complaining... that you may become blameless and harmless... without fault... in a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14-15).
Here's why complaining is such a huge deal.
When you complain about the details of your life, you are complaining about God. You send direct communication to God; I don't trust You. I don't believe You have my life under Your control. Worse yet, complaining sends a message to God, I don't believe You are good!
Complaining strikes at the very heart of God because God is good. Moses asked God to let him see God's glory. God responded to Moses's request by telling him, "I will make all My goodness pass before You (Exodus 33:19)."
Let's meet the monster of complaining head on, and starve him to death. We can do this by fasting complaining words.
Remember this:
- Words are a gift from God. The ability to use words at all is a gift that has been given to all us by our Creator. As such, we have a responsibility to use our words well.
- Words can build up or tear down. Words can hurt. I bet you don’t have any problem remembering the last harsh words that were spoken to you or the last encouraging words you received.
- The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your words. How you communicate will ultimately affect every area of your life. Words aren’t neutral. Every word that goes out has a consequence attached to it.
Turn complaints into thanks!
PRAYER
Dear Lord, You know I am sometimes guilty of complaining and habitual negativity. Please help me recognize negative thoughts that lead to whining and complaining, and give me the awareness to look for reasons to praise You instead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Watch / Listen to Joyce Meyer's message - Stop Complaining
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