How easily I fall into grumbling! How significant a seemingly small decision can be, how dangerous is the innocuous sin of complaining.
It rises from unbelief and rebellion against what God has brought. It comes from pride, from fear, from selfishness, from listening to self rather than the Spirit.
In God’s eyes complaining is a serious, destructive and deadly sin: it attacks faith and trust; it questions His goodness and wisdom; it dishonors Him as we reject His gifts. T
hat’s why He reacted so strongly to the Israelites’ complaining and grumbling: “And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp” (Num. 11:1).
It is important also to note that in the story of my temptation to complain in yesterday’s post came after an intense, very full three weeks of successful work and ministry. I was tired and not watchful; I chose to sin without even realizing it. I need to remember that after victory often comes significant temptation.
But praise God that He is faithful, that He brings us back to Himself, into the light so we can be healed, restored, strengthened and again put on the armor He has provided so that we can “take up the shield of faith with which you can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” that “you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11,16).
Prayer: “Lord, help me to keep on the armor of God every day, and especially to raise the shield of faith by giving thanks in every circumstance so that you may have more glory. Amen.”
