Here we are at the half way point of Holy Week and you should be focusing in on how to improve the world. I don’t know about you, but I am sick to death of keyboard haters, screamers and complainers.
Folks rushed to social media to chastise the funding of the restoration of the great Notre Dame Cathedral. They justified their criticism by bemoaning the fact that churches in the South were recently burned down and were not funded. I say to you that I am sorry that didn’t happen, but if you feel so strongly about it, why are you not at the forefront with your own donation?
Of course, those complaints were quickly followed by outcries for Flynt Michigan’s water system.
To all the complainers out there typing on their keyboards, I say to you, “BE QUIET” or get in the race and do something.
The Greek word translated “complainer” means literally “one who is discontented with his lot in life.” It is akin to the word grumbler. Complaining is certainly not a fruit of the Spirit. The first complainer was Adam who, after he and Eve disobeyed, complained to God that “the woman you put here with me – she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it”.
Believers are challenged not to grumble or complain.
Specifically scripture says in Philippians 2:14
14.Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
A complaining spirit leads to fighting and quarrelling because complaints come from unfulfilled desires, which lead to envy and strife. Habitual complaining is the same problem the Israelites had on their way to the promised land. It is and always has been a spiritual issue of discontentment.
Words reflect the inner disposition of the heart.
Complaining is a sign that we’ve placed more trust in adversity than the character
Energy spent on complaints, is wasted because it’s time that could be spent doing something to make situations better. Expressing negativity tend not to make us feel better, it’s also catching, making listeners feel worse.
The universe is chaotic, from unpreventable superstorms of wind and rain, to unpredictable car accidents or to the capricious whims of our peers whose personal truths even have the ability to emotionally damage or physically hurt others. And every moment holds the potential to bring you any one of these things, any shade along the gradient of spirit-soaring bliss and soul-crushing grief.
What am I trying to say? Complain less and do more.
Feel some type of way about the church burning? Go help rebuild it or help create a society that would not allow something like that to happen.
Do something. Complain less.
Your choice is simple. I understand it’s hard to find happiness on those nights when you feel like you’re all alone in the world, when a loved one passes, when you fail that test or get fired from that job. When these moments come, you do not have to live in regret and anger of them, you don’t have to give them constant negative attention and allow them to reshape your brain to the point that you become a bitter, jaded, cynical shrew.
Do not let the example of our executive branch shape your life. Go high. Do something.Americans have a great capacity to accept and face challenges head-on.Every day that goes by without helping another is an opportunity missed. You have the opportunity to pay things forward and change the narrative.
Try it.