Living a Complaint-free Life - Part II

Living a Complaint-free Life – Part II

Underneath our complaints are our constant companions, anger and fear.  The former fuels intensity and melodrama of our complaints.  The latter justifies our negative behavior because of a conviction we will lose something we have or fail to get something we desperately want.  The strength of anger convinces us we are “righteous” in our groaning.  Sometimes, we project our anger unto God in the form of righteous indignation.  “Anger turns off the light of the mind.”  It prevents us from grasping God’s presence.  Fear encourages fabrication of rather elaborate excuses for our disappointments and failures.  Additionally, fear, cloaked with rich garments of our complaints, enables us to avoid a need to change and grow.  As long as we incessantly complain, we never experience spiritual maturity and personal development that draws us closer relationally to God.

Complaining equals questioning the sovereignty of God.  Not only does it offend the character of God, it also separates us from fellowship with God.  Should we persist in complaining, we ultimately become hard hearted, stiff-necked, reprobate and recalcitrant.  In consequence, we drift from meaningful relationship with God as our complaints insist He is not faithful to His word.  Moreover, God, in turn, withdraws His blessings and promises.  For the Israelites in the wilderness, this means they lost their inheritance to the Promised Land.  Interestingly, they complained so much they die in agony of their moans and groans.  God allows them to circle Canaan for forty years to test their hearts sincerity and discern genuineness of their faith.  Observing this generation essential lack of faith, He further permits the wilderness to eliminate this faithless group.  Only Joshua and Caleb enter Canaan out an original 1.8 million plus people who left Pharaoh drowning in the Red Sea.  For all intents and purposes, complaining does not strengthen anyone’s rapport with Almighty God.

Ironically, complaining, when quickly arrested and properly analyzed, can fuel a dynamic and fruitful prayer life.  If we resist temptation to nurse complaints and wallow in sorrows by lifting them to God, He utilizes them to burn away dross in our character.  Also, complaints define areas for spiritual growth and personal development.  We change complaints into challenges by saying to God, “I really would like to trust you as my Lord in this situation and all areas of my life.”  You recall an afflicted father’s prayer whose son was perpetually tormented by epilepsy in Mark 9:24-25, “Lord, I believe but help Thou my unbelief!”  In his earnest desire for healing and resolution, this father transforms his complaints into genuine reliance upon the will and power of Almighty God.

Somehow, many believers falsely accept the idea that complaining changes circumstances and possesses spiritual benefits.  That thinking is absolutely wrong!  Complaining is a dead end road terminating in separation from God.  Yet, if we find willingness to partner with Him and transform our complaints into prayer concerns, God graciously reveals many ways in which our feebleminded complaints can lead toward growth in His image.

I conclude with eight suggestions for living a complaint-free life.  First, not surprisingly and most self-evident, simply stop complaining.  It stands to reason you cannot achieve  personal piece and daily joy of a complaint-free life if you continue to complain.  Thus, your primary step on this journey of thanksgiving, happiness and wholeness is a commitment to cessation of entertaining and expanding complaints. 

Second, focus upon positive aspects of each day.  By default, complaining ensures we see every negative detail.  Analyzing the minutiae of adverse circumstances inevitably leads to cynicism.  Instead, ceasing complaints affords a chance to accentuate love, grace, mercy, humility and other gifts that decorate our daily lives. 

Third, learn to be grateful.  Constant complaining rarely produces an attitude of thanksgiving.  Practically, make a gratitude list each day.  Write a minimum of five things for which you give thanks.  It is hard to complain when you occupy your mind and heart with favorable thoughts relating to people, gifts and experiences which enrich your life. 

Fourth, avoid negative people who complain incessantly.  Needlessly skeptical people transfer their negativity unto you.  Although you may not have a complaining disposition, undoubtedly you will glean one if you relate with cynical people.  “If you stay in a barbershop long enough, you will get a haircut.”  Whether you need one or not, excessive exposure to people who are getting haircuts will convince you subliminally you need one too.  Such is the case with lingering in conversations with people who complain excessively.  You start to commiserate with their discontent. Instead of making a gratitude list, you write out a laundry list of complaints.