Dear SCC & Friends,
The people complained… ~Numbers 11:1
Reflection #217
Years ago, Dudley and I had the opportunity to go on a vacation to Hawaii. Everything was perfect… The kids were covered… work was covered, and we were set. We used miles to upgrade our seats adding to our anticipation. Upon arrival, we were given leis surrounded by friendly smiles and “alohas.” We felt so blessed and thankful. Shortly thereafter, we went on a tour of the island and the atmosphere changed… A couple about our age started complaining… “I’m not impressed… Fiji is hands down better than this place.” The old truism echoed… “One rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel…” If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what we saw was fresh and beautiful. This otherwise nice couple reduced to “sub-par” that which for many of us was a trip of a lifetime. Complaining is contagious, distorts the atmosphere and lacks gratitude. Complaining is like breathing… it just comes so naturally. Interestingly, we rarely complain about ourselves. Most often other people and circumstances are viewed as the source of the problem! The Bible is full of people like us… We complain, and yea, verily I say unto you, we grumble as well.
It doesn’t matter if you are Jew or Gentile, male or female, rich or poor, young or old… Complaining has been a sinful response from the very beginning. Adam blamed Eve and complained to God, “The woman you gave me caused me to sin.” If you never complain, then this reflection has no meaning. If we’re honest with ourselves and each other, we complain too much… but there is an antidote… sincere thanksgiving. …we thank You and praise Your glorious name. ~1 Chronicles 29:13 If you do occasionally catch yourself complaining, I’d like to ask you to accept a challenge… Starting Thursday morning through Friday noon…. no complaining about anyone or anything – Including but not limited to politicians, media, food, traffic, neighbors, friends, family members, pastors, the dog, the weather, bosses and the economy. We can do this! Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. ~Ps. 100:4 Keep up the good work!
Grateful hearts,
Kevin