Complaining: goggusmos {gong-goos-mos’} The early instances yield the sense “to be dissatisfied,” “to grumble because of disappointed hopes.” A murmur, murmuring, muttering; a secret debate; a secret displeasure not openly avowed.
Grace Killers — A Self-inflicted Wound
Bob Flynn, President/CEO
In the movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the father of the bride, while welcoming the guests to the reception, mentions that the last name of the bride’s family means orange, and the root of the groom’s family name means apple. “So there you have it; Apple and Orange. We are different but in the end we are both fruit.” We are all the same! We are social animals. We spend our time in this world with other people. No doubt we find that many things these folks say or do irritates us. The fact that we are irritated stands out as a statement of who we are!!! This is the seed of death—the great Grace Killer of our day! For after the irritation comes the complaining and after the complaining comes the gossip and after the gossip comes the bitterness. By then we are in the ditch alongside the highway of holiness instead of walking thereon.
Complaining: goggusmos {gong-goos-mos’} The early instances yield the sense “to be dissatisfied,” “to grumble because of disappointed hopes.” A murmur, murmuring, muttering; a secret debate; a secret displeasure not openly avowed.
“Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners and honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever” (Psalm 15 NLT).
“In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them. Hold tight to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless” (Philippians 2:14-16 NLT).
Said another way, “If you want to have joy, don’t complain!” The book, “How to be Free from Bitterness” is a well-written book that will help you turn away from the other great American pastime. It is a must-read for every serious believer! But you decide! Is the joy of the Lord Jesus Christ bubbling out of your life like a river? CMF will send a copy ‘free’ to our membership who ask. You may order this and other materials on the Members Only portion of our website.